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Cyanobacteria can be found at the Polish seaside every year. They are quite a threat - s alt water, hot summer and the influx of river water with pollutants create the most favorable conditions for the development of these organisms, and the proliferating cyanobacteria produce toxins that are dangerous not only to fish, but also to humans. Find out where cyanobacteria bloomed in the B altic Sea this time and how to protect yourself from them during sea baths.

What are cyanobacteria?

Cyanophytes(cyanophytes, cyanobacteria, cyanoprokaryotes, Cyanobacteria) are one of the oldest organisms on Earth. They can be found in almost every environment because they are resistant to long-term droughts and very high temperatures, and even high acidity of the substrate. Thanks to the content of chlorophyll, they are green in color.

They were considered plants in the past, but over time these unicellulars were classified as bacteria.

The most favorable conditions for the development of cyanobacteria in the sea are:

  • s alt water,
  • high water temperature,
  • water pollution with fertilizers from fields and sewage.

Cyanobacteria bloom reduces the amount of oxygen and light reaching the deeper layers of water bodies, thus causingdyingof the organisms living there - hence the unsightly appearance and smell of the water.

Cyanobacteria - how to recognize their presence?

The bloom of cyanobacteria in water is evidenced by two things:

  • bad smellwater,
  • densecyanobacteriaforming on the water surface.

Why are cyanobacteria dangerous?

Cyanobacterial toxins usually occur in highly polluted waters of the seas or lakes and in dam reservoirs with a high degree of eutrophication, i.e.overfertilization .

While swimming in this type of water reservoirs, the risk of cyanobacterial poisoning increases, the symptoms of which may be mild food poisoning or more serious muscle paralysis leading to respiratory failure.

Types of cyanobacterial toxins:

  • hepatotoxins , substances that have a toxic effect on the liver - their purpose is to damage liver cells, although there is also a harmful effect on the kidneys, such toxins include:microcystin, nodular and cylindrospermopsin
  • neurotoxinsare a type of toxin that acts on the nervous system - they cause paralysis of the muscles and then suffocation due to respiratory failure: toxin-a, toxoid-a (s), saxitoxin;
  • dermatotoxinsproduce skin-toxic compounds that cause:
    • itchy skin,
    • baking,
    • swelling,
    • erythema;
    • macular or blistering rash,
    • hives,
    • conjunctivitis appears several hours after contact with water containing the following toxins: lynbgyatoxin-a, aplysiatoxin, debromoaplysiatoxin.

It is worth knowing that not all cyanobacteria produce toxins. Some species of the genusSpirulina(calledblue algae ) are non-toxic.

Moreover, the substances contained in spirulina are beneficial to he alth because they have antioxidant properties and soothe inflammation, which is why in some countries they are used as a dietary supplement.

Cyanobacteria in Polish lakes and the B altic Sea

Massive blooms of cyanobacteria in Polish waters are the result of eutrophication of the environment. This means that too many nutrients reach the lakes, rivers and the B altic Sea:nitrates and phosphates . The toxins identified in the B altic Sea are:

  • microcystin,
  • nodularyna,
  • anatoxin-a.

According to a report prepared by the World He alth Organization, a serious source of cyanobacterial threat to humans may be the recreational use of water in bloom.

Cyanobacteria - how does poisoning happen?

Acceptablehigh doses of toxinsoccur frequently duringwater sportssuch as:

  • swimming,
  • sailing,
  • surfing,
  • water skiing.

This may result in accidental ingestion of water.

However, currently in the B altic Sea region the reality of the poisoning risk issmall . Fish muscles contain small amounts of the cyanotoxins described here. Only the systematic consumption of mussels or the liver of some fish could be dangerous for us.

Cyanobacteria poisoning symptoms. What diseases do cyanobacteria cause?

According to the World He alth Organization (WHO), the disease caused by cyanobacterial toxins depends on the type of toxin, type of water and the route of contamination (skin contact, drinking, etc.). :

  • skin irritation,
  • stomach cramps,
  • nausea,
  • vomiting,
  • diarrhea,
  • fever,
  • sore throat,
  • headache,
  • muscle and joint pain,
  • mouth blisters,
  • liver damage.

In addition, people who come into contact with toxic cyanobacteria in water may suffer from allergic reactions, such as:

  • asthma,
  • eye irritation,
  • rashes and blisters around the mouth and nose.
Important

Sinice - prophylaxis

Do not bathe or even enter cloudy waters with a changedcolororodor , especially when accompanied by water foaming . If we enter the sea or lake knee-deep and the turbidity of the water caused by the presence of cyanobacteria makes it difficult for us to see our own feet, then we should refrain from bathing. After possible contact,washand rinse the skin thoroughly, and the swimsuitwash .

Cyanobacteria in the B altic Sea - occurrence map

Sanitary inspectors check the water at the Polish seaside four times a season and keep you informed about cyanobacterial blooms.

If you want to check which bathing areas in Poland are forbidden to swim, you can visit the Bathing Beach Service of the Department of Water He alth Safety of the GIS.

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