Blue-Green algae - Cyanobacteria
The mass occurrences of the blue-green algae happen more often because of the eutrophication. Still, the blue-green algae are not the product of the eutrophication but a normal part of the aquatic ecosystem.
The structure of the blue-green algae resembles bacteria but they are functioning like the vegetal plankton. The blue-green algae are capable of photosynthesis and oxygen production. They are one of the oldest beings on earth, and can survive in extreme conditions.
The multiplication of the blue-green algae is connected with the nutrients, temperature and wind conditions. Usually the mass occurrences happen during the swim season for both, the cyanobacteria, and the bathers, are fond of the warm water. Hard wind blends blue-green algae with the water, but calm weather promotes the drifting of the algae to the shores.
Besides the aesthetic disadvantage the mass occurrence of the blue-green algae is also a possible threat to health. Some of the blue-green algae are toxic, for example Nodularia spumigena which is found in the Baltic Sea.
The algae blooming situation is monitored weekly in Finland. The information is gathered from over 300 monitoring locations in all around the country by the authorities. The research boats, trading ships and Border Guards crew are also delivering information from the open sea areas. In addition the satellites update the situation daily and private persons can report about their algae sightings.
ASSIGNMENT 15
What kind impacts on health can the blue-green algae have?
ASSIGNMENT 16
On what purposes can you not use the blue-green algae contaminated water?
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