Blue Green Algae
| Blue-green algae is a commonly used term applied to several types of cyanobacteria which have similar characteristics, one being that they form scum on the surface when present in large numbers. Algae are a natural part of the river system and bloom when there is an increase of nutrients in the river and as the river flow decrease. These blue-green algae blooms are an indicator that the river environment is out of balance.
When the bacteria breaks down it releases poisonous toxins and reduces oxygen levels in the water, causing stress and even death to other aquatic organisms, especially fish. | 
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Causes of Blue-green algae blooms
- High nutrients levels, especially phosphorus
- Low water flows
- Degraded aquatic ecosystems
- High light availability
- High temperatures
Impacts of Blue-green algae blooms
- Humans can suffer liver damage, stomach upsets, nervous system disorders,
skin rashes and eye irritations.
- Death and poisoning of stock, wildlife and domestic pets.
- Water quality
- Undesirable taste
- Odour
- Discolouration
- Produces an unsightly and smelly scum
- Suffocation of aquatic plants and animals
- Disruption to water supplies eg blocks filtering systems.
- Affects recreation and tourism
- Industries and agriculture
What is being done?
The Murray Darling Basin Commission has developed an Algal Management Strategy that is based on whole catchment management. |
