Toxic Blue-Green Algae Bloom In Austrlaia's Lakes Alexandrina & Albert

[hatrack]

A BLUE-GREEN algae outbreak has put further stress on the already struggling ecosystem of lakes Alexandrina and Albert.
The outbreak was caused by a recent heatwave and forecasted hot weather has sparked fears the bloom could grow.

The Department of Health has issued a warning to swimmers in the lakes to avoid water visibly affected by the algae. The algae has the appearance of patches of blue-green discoloured water and surface scum.

Contact with large numbers of algae cells can produce skin rashes and eye irritation.

Department of Health principle water quality adviser Dr David Cunliffe said the warning was a precaution following the detection of increased numbers of non-toxic blue-green algae in routine samples collected last week.

EDIT

http://murraybridge.yourguide.com.au/news/local/general/algal-bloom-threat/1160766.html