Blue algae alarm: Cottbus warns of dangerous bathing in lakes!

Blue algae alarm: Cottbus warns of dangerous bathing in lakes!

Branitzer und Madlower See, Cottbus, Deutschland - It pulls people outdoors, the warm summer days invite you to swim. But there are serious warnings in the lakes around Cottbus. Due to increased values for blue algae, also known as cyanobacteria, the city urgently advised against bathing in the Branitzer and Madlower See. As the Tagesschau Show water rehearsal results: The blue algae have been so strong increased that they are health risks for bathers.

What does that mean specifically? Cyanobacteria can produce poisonous toxins for mass occurrences that can trigger skin and mucosal irritation, diarrhea, vomiting and even allergic reactions. Dogs are particularly at risk that can seriously fall ill when bathing or drinking loaded water. The Federal Environment Agency points out that the concentrations of cyanobacteria in bathing waters can increase, especially in warm summers, which endangers public health.

causes of mass development

What favored these harmful developments? Climate change plays an important role. High temperatures and stabilizer weather promote the thermal layering of water; The cyanobacteria concentrate these conditions on the water surface. In addition, an oversupply of nutrients such as phosphorus in calm waters create optimal growth conditions for the cyanobacteria. According to lgl bayern not only can the bacteria produce ugly water areas, but also form dangerous toxins in high concentrations.

The current location in the waters around Berlin and Brandenburg is considered to be worrying. Many lakes have an ecological state that is worse than the requirements of the EU. From 2027 there are sanctions that could be due to insufficient measures to improve water quality. This is not least due to the constant increase in pollutants and an increasing overuse of the waters.

prevention measures and outlook

The health authorities take measures to monitor bathing water. This includes the removal of water samples that are examined for toxins. In many cases, a bathing ban can be imposed if a cyanobacteria flower is suspected. The coming weeks could be decisive because warm weather could favor the conditions for further spreading the blue algae.

Overall, it is important to have a good knack for your own health and to be particularly careful in the next few weeks when it comes to swimming in the lakes. Avoiding risks is a top priority. A look at the current warnings and regular information could be crucial here.