January 17, 2024

2024-01-17 16:30:00
Cyanobacteria are microscopic organisms that contain chlorophyll. They can be in fresh, salt, brackish waters and estuarine mixing zones (David McNew/Getty Images)

Cyanobacteria are microscopic organisms. They are Gram-negative bacteria that contain chlorophyll, which allows them to carry out photosynthesis. Historically they have been identified as blue-green algae and are present in fresh, salty, brackish waters and mixed areas of estuaries.

For some lakes and lagoons in the provinces of Buenos Aires and Neuquén, in Argentina, red alerts have been declared due to the presence of cyanobacteria that represent a risk to human health.

The toxins they release can cause a wide variety of gastrointestinal, respiratory, neurological, skin, ear and eye infections.

People or animals can be exposed to cyanotoxins in several ways, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): through skin contact with water containing toxins while swimming or doing other activities in water; by drinking water that contains toxins; by breathing in tiny airborne droplets that contain toxins, by consuming fish or shellfish that contain toxins, or by ingesting contaminated blue-green algae nutritional supplements

Exposure to cyanobacteria usually occurs with the ingestion of contaminated water when swimming or you can inhale aerosols that they give off (María Ungaro)

Cyanobacteria can produce toxins that can make people and animals sick. The ancestors of today’s cyanobacteria were the first microorganisms to produce oxygen, through photosynthesis.

They appear more due to the increased presence of nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus in bodies of water (lakes, reservoirs, rivers, lagoons), high temperatures, days without wind or waves, and sufficient sunlight, as the most important factors. This process, called “eutrophication,” is natural. It is currently accelerated by factors related to human activities and climatic factors, according to the National Ministry of Health.

The growth of urban populations, the intensification of the use of fertilizers in agriculture, the increase in the volume of household and industrial effluents, loaded with nitrogen and phosphorus, and climate change, are accelerating these processes around the world.

In lakes and lagoons where there is a red alert for cyanobacteria, it is recommended to avoid contact and wash with clean water if entering the river or lagoon.

The Interjurisdictional Basin Authority (AIC) of the Limay, Neuquén and Negro rivers issued an alert due to the growth of cyanobacteria in the Ramos Mexía reservoir. The organization reported that the maximum peak will occur this Wednesday, January 17, coinciding with the increase in temperature.

The levels of cyanobacteria have been increasing since last Monday, and the situation will last until Sunday, January 22. It was explained that the water will have a thick mass or continuous layer of deep green or brownish color.

In Laguna de Lobos, province of Buenos Aires, there is a red alert due to the presence of cyanobacteria (File)

There is also a red alert in lagoons in the province of Buenos Aires, where the Early Warning System was developed by Cyanobacteria.

In the Hinojo lagoon, in Trenque Lauquén, there is an orange alert that means “medium risk.” “The condition may occur due to downspout/drought conditions,” the system reported on the website. The water appears bright green on the surface and in the sand.

On the other hand, in Laguna Rocha, Pehuajó, there is high risk. “The water appears deep green, blue or blue-green. It has an extensive accumulation of cyanobacteria on the surface forming a continuous layer. Consolidated flowering,” she clarified. There is also a red alert for Laguna de Lobos.

Due to cyanobacteria, stomach pain, headache, muscle weakness, dizziness, vomiting, diarrhea, and liver damage can occur in people (iStock)

People can be exposed to cyanotoxins by touching or swimming in contaminated water or by inhaling droplets of contaminated air, causing irritation to the skin, eyes, throat, and lungs, among other parts of the body.

They can also be exposed to cyanotoxins by consuming contaminated foods or nutritional supplements, or by swallowing contaminated water. The symptoms are:

• Stomachache
• Headache
• Muscular weakness
• Dizziness
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Hepatic injury

To avoid these discomforts, specialists recommend:

• Avoid contact with green stains
• Wash yourself with clean water if you enter the river or lagoon
• Do not consume foods that come from the body of water.

Special attention should be paid to children and pets. If there is high risk, people should not bathe.

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