As it happens almost every summer, blooms of cyanobacteria have returned to the province of Buenos Aires.
Due to this, the provincial government activated orange and red alerts in multiple bodies of water and recommended avoiding contact and consumption of the affected water.
This is because cyanobacteria blooms pose a concrete risk to human and environmental health.
These microorganisms are Gram-negative bacteria that contain chlorophyll, allowing them to perform photosynthesis. They often tint the water in almost phosphorescent green tones and are present in freshwater, saltwater, brackish water, and estuary mixing zones.
Cyanobacteria blooms are dangerous because many species produce toxins that can appear dissolved in the water, so it is necessary to pay attention to their appearance.
Cyanobacteria blooms: the areas under alert in Buenos Aires
The government of the province of Buenos Aires released an interactive map with the active foci of cyanobacteria blooms.
The site explains that this system “allows the population to know the status of recreational water bodies and make informed decisions”.
The only area under red alert, with high risk, is La Salada, in Pehuajó. Meanwhile, the areas under orange alert are:
- Laguna Sauce Grande, in Monte Hermoso
- Laguna Cuero de Zorro, in Rivadavia
- Laguna Cañadón, in Pehuajó
- Laguna Rocha, in Chacabuco
- Lagunas Lobos and Monte
- Laguna Chis Chis, in Lezama
- Las Barrancas, Tablillas, and La Saladita
- Río de La Plata, in Avellaneda
In these areas, the water presents a bright green color on the surface and on the sand. Authorities do not recommend entering the water or consuming food on the shore.
There is also a warning about the proximity of children and pets to these bodies of water until the cyanobacteria blooms disappear.
Due to the recurring problem of cyanobacteria blooms in PBA, the Buenos Aires management also has a communication plan underway regarding this issue.
“Actions of education, communication, and promotion of lagoon and stream management plans in all municipalities” have been generated, they reported.
Symptoms and levels of risk
Cyanobacteria blooms can cause adverse effects in exposed people. According to the Ministry of Health, symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, headache, muscle weakness, and skin allergies.
Due to this, the Subsecretariat of Water Resources and the Water Authority of the province conduct daily evaluations on the presence of the bacteria in provincial water bodies.
The alert system is divided into four levels according to color:
- Green: no cyanobacteria detected; it is safe to swim.
- Yellow: small green spots; those who swim should rinse with cold, clean water.
- Orange: the water presents a bright green color on the surface and sand.
- Red: a dark green or brown mass with the appearance of thick cream is observed; swimming is prohibited.
The appearance of cyanobacteria blooms is related to the presence of nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus in the water, high temperatures, days without wind or waves, and sufficient sunlight. These factors favor their development and expansion in the region’s water bodies.
