Blue alarm alarm in Brandenburg: These lakes are now taboo!

Blue alarm alarm in Brandenburg: These lakes are now taboo!

Alt Zeschdorf, Deutschland - The summer temperatures invite many Brandenburgers and Cologne to enjoy the water and refresh themselves. But in some waters, such as the Hohenjesarscher See in Alt Zeschdorf, bathing becomes a risk due to a high occurrence of blue -green algae (cyanobacteria). According to a report by MAZ-Online.de Water qualities and repeated problems with these microscopic organisms since May.

Mike Bartsch, Official Director of Lebus, emphasizes that the cause of the high blue -green algae infestation remains unclear. The promotion of algae growth can be favored by various factors such as nutrient inputs, high temperatures and a low water level. Therefore, an increased appearance of blue algae in the Havel waters is also predicted in the region in Potsdam, especially in Lake Groß.

health risks

blue algae are not to be confused with ordinary algae; Rather, they are gram-negative bacteria and are among the oldest ways of life on earth. These bacteria are able to produce toxins that are hazardous to health, especially in optimal growth conditions such as great heat and nutrient -rich water. The pharmacies around warns that symptoms such as skin irritation, nausea and respiratory tract can occur, in particular Small children, pregnant women and immunocompromised people. If the water appears cloudy, you should definitely avoid bathing.

The situation for dogs is particularly dangerous. In Lake Tegel in Berlin-Reinickendorf there was even a dog's death that died of blue-algentoxins. Therefore, dog owners are advised to take their animals on a leash and to avoid contact with contaminated water. The Bavarian State Office for Health indicates that toxin values for dogs can be dangerous if they lie below the limit values for humans.

water quality and precautionary measures

The current bathing water quality in Brandenburg is overall satisfactory, even if the depth of vision is limited on some lakes such as the Beetzsee and Rangsdorfer See. The biggest visual depth was found at the Gollinsee with five meters. Health offices regularly monitor bathing water to determine any cyanobacteria flowers. If a flower is suspected, water samples are removed and analyzed so that corresponding warnings and bans can be issued.

• currently recommended precautions for bathers:
• Avoid bathing in cloudy water.
• thoroughly shower after contact with potentially contaminated water.
• In the event of symptoms such as nausea or skin irritation, see a doctor immediately.
Always keep an eye on
• dogs and immediately see a veterinarian when contacting blue -green algae.

The nutrients phosphorus and nitrogen, often caused by fertilizers, contribute to the spread of blue -green algae, which is additionally favored by climate change. Due to the increasing temperatures, the water heats up faster, which increases the frequency of algae flowers.

So that the joy of bathing is not clouded by health risks, it is important to consider the local warnings and to find out more about the water quality. Summer time can also be a valuable opportunity to take responsibility for your own health and those from animal companions.