Hazardous algal blooms are starting earlier each year and lasting longer, thanks to rising temperatures, warns a University of Guelph aquatic toxicologist.
Dr. René Shahmohamadloo, a postdoctoral fellow in the Department of Integrative Biology, says summer-like temperatures that continue into the fall are partly to blame. Ontario approached record high temperatures in September, and warmer-than-normal weather continued into October. Ongoing agricultural practices are also contributing excess nutrients into bodies of fresh water, resulting in an overgrowth of algae.
“In recent years, we’ve observed blooms in colder and nutrient-poor lakes, which is an unexpected shift indicating that hazardous algae can adapt to a broader range of environments,” Shahmohamadloo says.
Hazardous algae can produce toxins harmful to humans and aquatic life and often fatal to pets.
“It is crucial to avoid contact with blooms because their toxicity is often difficult to determine without testing. Ingestion, inhalation, or skin contact with contaminated water can potentially lead to health issues,” says Shahmohamadloo, whose post-doctoral research is focused on developing a genetic screening tool to monitor blue-green algae in Ontario’s lakes.
To prevent health concerns from algae blooms, Shahmohamadloo recommends:
- Avoiding direct contact with the water
- Not swimming or wading in water with blooms present
- Consulting provincial fish consumption advisories when eating fish caught in areas affected by blooms
- Avoiding contaminated water for drinking, cooking or bathing
- Rinsing any exposed skin immediately and seeking medical attention for symptoms like skin irritation, nausea or respiratory issues
Shahmohamadloo is available for interviews.
Contact:
Dr. René Shahmohamadloo
rshahmoh@uoguelph.ca