More toxic blue-green algae in Finland’s lakes
The level of toxic blue-green algae in Finnish lakes is presently just slightly above normal for the time of year, but has shown a rise over the past week, reports the Finnish Environment Institute (SYKE).
Sightings have been recorded at 13 monitoring sites in southern parts of the country. However, none of the sightings have been classed as being of considerable or high levels. SYKE adds, though, that there have been four reports from private individuals of blue-green algae blooms in inland waters.
Unusually warm temperatures at the start of the summer spurred the growth of algae blooms. At present, windy weather is keeping algae mixed with bodies of water. Kristiina Vuorio, a researcher at SYKE, stated in a press release on Thursday that these same winds may, however, push algae onto shorelines.
So far there have been no reports of algae blooms in open sea areas.
Surface temperatures in lakes in southern Finland have fallen to under 20 degrees Celsius. In central regions surface temperatures vary between 12C and 16C. In Finnish Lapland, lake surface temperatures are mostly below 12C.
Sea waters are also cool, with surface temperatures in open waters at around 15C, slightly warmer in coastal areas. Earlier this month, SYKE warned that this summer brings with it a substantial risk of blue-green algae formations in the Gulf of Finland, the northern part of the Baltic Sea.
Blue-green algae are actually types of cyanobacteria that thrive in warm, nutrient-rich water. People and animals – especially small children and dogs – can become very ill from touching, swallowing or even breathing in water droplets.
Related stories from around the North:
Canada: Thawing permafrost in Canada’s Northwest Territories releasing acid that’s breaking down minerals: study, CBC News
Finland: Finnish researcher looks to blue-green algae for biodiesel production, Yle News
Norway: Climate change is driving micro-algae blooms into High Arctic and may affect food chains, says study, Eye on the Arctic
Sweden: Many towns in Sweden seek funds to clean up polluted sites, Radio Sweden
United States: Algae-related toxins found in Arctic sea mammals, Alaska Dispatch News
