![]() It’s estimated that at least half of the planet’s oxygen comes from these unsung creatures, who produce it through photosynthesis before releasing it into the water. Algae are not officially a taxonomic group of creatures (they don’t fit into general groups like plants, animals or fungi), but the name is generally used to describe marine or freshwater species that depend on photosynthesis.Īn algae bloom occurs when a single member of these species – because of certain conditions – suddenly becomes dominant for a time.Īlgae are vital to our survival. ![]() Photograph: abadonian/Getty Images/iStockphoto What is a harmful algae bloom?Īlgae includes everything from micro-algae, like microscopic diatoms, to very large algae, such as seaweed and kelp. Algae blooms may be a danger to humans and animals. View image in fullscreen A dead mayfly in a swamp with cyanobacteria on the water surface. The causes of the blooms vary, and in some cases are never known, but in many parts of the world they are being increasingly linked to climate change and industrialised agriculture. Recent reports of a new ‘‘red tide’’ emerging in Florida and more dead wildlife have put the tourist and fishing industries on alert, braced for further devastation. This year about 130 have been listed on an international database, but that number is expected to increase. In 2018, there were more than 300 reported incidents of toxic or harmful algae blooms around the world. Hundreds of tonnes of dead fish also washed ashore. A 14-month long algae bloom in Florida, known as the “ red tide”, only ended earlier this year, after killing more than 100 manatees, 127 dolphins and 589 sea turtles. According to scientists, algae blooms are becoming more frequent and more toxic worldwide. Toledo’s water was tainted by something altogether different: an algae bloom. But the water wasn’t toxic due to an oil spill or high lead levels, as in Flint, Michigan. Toledo’s water crisis lasted for nearly three days. Eventually, a state of emergency was called and the national guard arrived with drinking water. About half a million residents of the city and surrounding area have relied on Lake Erie for water for hundreds of years.Īfter the news broke on 3 August bottled water quickly vanished in concentric circles around the city. Toledo sits on the shores of Lake Erie, one of North America’s five great lakes.
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