Latest news with #NCCOS
New York Post
4 days ago
- New York Post
Hazardous bacterial bloom hitting US lakes is a danger to people and pets, officials warn
No need for vacationers to test the waters here, experts say. The summer vacation spoiler has been identified as a cyanobacterial bloom — and the National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science (NCCOS) says that the crummy blue-green conditions seem to be spreading, with a noticeable increase in scale since Aug. 2. Currently, the contamination stretches approximately 160 miles and impacts coastal communities, ranging from Monroe, Michigan, to Port Clinton, Ohio. The Buckeye State's beloved Sandusky Bay is an especially adversely affected area and has comparatively strong concentrations of cyanobacteria — and cyanotoxins, a byproduct of the microorganisms — in the lake water. The Ohio Department of Health has advised residents and visitors along the western shore of Lake Erie to keep out of the water due to 'unsafe levels' of bacterial contamination. In concentrated amounts, cyanotoxins can result in mild conditions ranging from diarrhea, headaches and skin irritation to more serious, life-threatening states depending on prior conditions, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. Lake Erie is a popular weekend getaway destination for Midwesterners and New Yorkers alike looking to beat the heat for a few days. Jacek Chabraszewski – 'If you see scum, keep your pets and yourself out of the water,' urged the NCCOS in a statement. The organization also said that the bloom can be particularly intense during certain weather conditions. During calm, low wind periods, it gathers on the surface as 'scum,' rather than being broken up by the Great Lake's raucous waves. The NCCOS maintains that over the past decade or so, concentrated cyanobacteria sightings in Lake Erie have become more common, especially from June to October. The EPA explained that the microorganisms are 'very important to aquatic ecosystems' because they are photosynthetic — which is why conditions are worse in summertime — and support marine food webs; however, excessive growth can lead to concerns for aquatic and human health alike. Bearing that in mind, those looking to watch where they wade this summer can take a peek at a consistently updated map of Lake Erie by NCCOS that specifically monitors algal blooms. Lake Erie is also commonly recognized as the most polluted of the Great Lakes, per research by the University of Michigan. SVDPhoto – While the recent blooms don't impact lakegoers in New York, The Empire State has been exposed to its own fair share of aquatic advisories this summer — even trendy Hamptons beaches have been affected. Windmill Beach in Sag Harbor was rated the 7th worst bacteria-rated beach in the U.S. this year, per a report from Surfrider Foundation — and just two years back, the EPA reported that over half of New York beaches are contaminated by sewage and feces.
Daily Mail
4 days ago
- Health
- Daily Mail
Toxic algae bloom prompts warning and beach closures at Minnesota lake
A bacteria called 'cyanobacteria' has bloomed in Lake Erie, with officials warning vacationers to the popular Midwest tourist attraction to remain on high alert. Cyanobacteria manifest as blue-green algae and are typically found in freshwater. The bacteria are essential in maintaining a healthy aquatic ecosystem, but excessive blooms can lead to disastrous health effects. The National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science released an alert warning of a cyanobacteria bloom in western Lake Erie that spans around 160 miles. Those swimming in the lake from Maumee Bay north, Monroe, Port Clinton, into the western basin on West Sister Island, and Sandusky Bay have been warned of toxins exceeding the recreational limit. The cyanobacteria bloom has created scums and discolored green water that can be dangerous for swimming. 'Toxins have been detected below the recreational limit in western Lake Erie. They can be highly concentrated in scums! If you see scum, keep your pets and yourself out of the water,' the alert read. The NCCOS uses satellite imagery and forecasting technology to determine the status of the bloom. Field samples also show the depth and level of toxicity in the water. Satellite images taken on Tuesday revealed that the western part of Lake Erie was highlighted in green and blue, meaning high amounts of cyanobacteria were present. The NCCOS added that high winds can underestimate the full area impacted. Winds can mix the bloom, and clouds can obscure the satellite reading. Cyanobacteria are a type of HAB (Harmful Algal Blooms) and can cause harm to the environment and humans. Cyanobacteria can also produce a byproduct called cyanotoxins, which can cause diarrhea, headaches, skin irritation, and even death, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. The bloom occurs when the water gets warmer, making July to October the peak season for Lake Erie. The NCCOS released a seasonal forecast for HABs in Lake Erie in June, predicting the severity would be a three with a potential range of two to four out of ten. Scientists expected a predicted bloom severity of mild to moderate, noting the bacteria would concentrate in July, peak in August, and continue until September. Gregory J Dick, a professor of Biology at the University of Michigan, wrote in The Conversation that climate change has increased cyanobacteria growth. Cyanobacteria grow in warmer climates, meaning that temperature increases exacerbate growth. He added that cyanobacteria can be lethal to pets, and new science suggests that long-term exposure for humans may even exacerbate respiratory, cardiovascular, and gastrointestinal problems. These health issues have even been linked to liver cancers, kidney disease, and neurological problems. In 2014, a cyanobacteria bloom contaminated Lake Erie, which made its way into the water supply. Over 450,000 residents in Toledo were issued an advisory not to drink the water and were forced to purchase bottled water for over two days.
Daily Mail
5 days ago
- Health
- Daily Mail
Bacteria 'bloom' explodes in popular Midwest lake as officials warn vacationers to stay away
A bacteria called 'cyanobacteria' has bloomed in Lake Erie, with officials warning vacationers to the popular Midwest tourist attraction to remain on high alert. Cyanobacteria manifest as blue-green algae and are typically found in freshwater. The bacteria are essential in maintaining a healthy aquatic ecosystem, but excessive blooms can lead to disastrous health effects. The National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science released an alert warning of a cyanobacteria bloom in western Lake Erie that spans around 160 miles. Those swimming in the lake from Maumee Bay north, Monroe, Port Clinton, into the western basin on West Sister Island, and Sandusky Bay have been warned of toxins exceeding the recreational limit. The cyanobacteria bloom has created scums and discolored green water that can be dangerous for swimming. 'Toxins have been detected below the recreational limit in western Lake Erie. They can be highly concentrated in scums! If you see scum, keep your pets and yourself out of the water,' the alert read. The NCCOS uses satellite imagery and forecasting technology to determine the status of the bloom. Field samples also show the depth and level of toxicity in the water. Satellite images taken on Tuesday revealed that the western part of Lake Erie was highlighted in green and blue, meaning high amounts of cyanobacteria were present. The NCCOS added that high winds can underestimate the full area impacted. Winds can mix the bloom, and clouds can obscure the satellite reading. Cyanobacteria are a type of HAB (Harmful Algal Blooms) and can cause harm to the environment and humans. Cyanobacteria can also produce a byproduct called cyanotoxins, which can cause diarrhea, headaches, skin irritation, and even death, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. The bloom occurs when the water gets warmer, making July to October the peak season for Lake Erie. The NCCOS released a seasonal forecast for HABs in Lake Erie in June, predicting the severity would be a three with a potential range of two to four out of ten. Scientists expected a predicted bloom severity of mild to moderate, noting the bacteria would concentrate in July, peak in August, and continue until September. Gregory J Dick, a professor of Biology at the University of Michigan, wrote in The Conversation that climate change has increased cyanobacteria growth. Cyanobacteria grow in warmer climates, meaning that temperature increases exacerbate growth. The alert was issued for Maumee Bay north, Monroe, Port Clinton, into the western basin on West Sister Island, and Sandusky Bay Dick added that cyanobacteria can be lethal to pets, and new science suggests that long-term exposure for humans may even exacerbate respiratory, cardiovascular, and gastrointestinal problems. These health issues have even been linked to liver cancers, kidney disease, and neurological problems. In 2014, a cyanobacteria bloom contaminated Lake Erie, which made its way into the water supply. Over 450,000 residents in Toledo were issued an advisory not to drink the water and were forced to purchase bottled water for over two days.
