11/19/2020 4:37 PM
Clarín.com
Society
Updated 11/19/2020 4:37 PM
Conicet scientists warned that "
cyanobacteria
",
a group of prehistoric bacteria
, stain the waters of the Paraná River fluvial system green due to the low flow due to little rainfall, and they called for taking a series of precautions since they
are capable of produce substances toxic to health
.
The flowering of these organisms, which
give the surface of the water a bright green color
, appeared in places such as Laguna Setúbal or the Lake of the South Park, and usually occurs during warm seasons, favored by the downspout of rivers and stagnation of the Water.
"In Santa Fe we have been feeling for a few months the effect of the climatic phenomenon known as 'Niña' which, for these latitudes, mainly translates into a decrease in rainfall. This means that the flow of the Salado and Paraná rivers is seen reduced ", explained
Diego Frau
, researcher at the National Institute of Limnology (Inali-Conicet / UNL).
Cyanobacteria flowering in Parque del Sur (Santa Fe).
Photo Conicet / INALI.
"As a result of this downspout and the stagnation of the water
, a cyanobacterial bloom was recorded in the Setúbal lagoon
," he added.
The researcher recalled that similar blooms were recorded in Buenos Aires towns such as Berazategui and Tigre or in the Puerto Madero area, in the Federal Capital, because it was transported by the Paraná river fluvial system.
"The difficulties with cyanobacteria are particularly related to what is known as blooms or blooms. They are produced by
excess nutrients dissolved in water, high temperatures and high residence time of the water
, which promote the massive growth of these microorganisms, "he clarified.
"When these blooming events occur,
cyanobacteria are capable of producing toxic substances known as cyanotoxins
, which are released into the water column, and / or sediments when the microorganisms that contain them die", Frau warned.
The researcher explained that
direct contact with the water and the wet edges of the lagoon should be avoided when these events occur
since cyanobacteria are capable of producing skin conditions such as pruritus, erythema or dermatitis.
Why is the water in the Paraná Delta green? @ 3iaunsam specialists studied the liquid that reached the entire Río de la Plata basin.
They also advise what to do.
We open thread.
pic.twitter.com/kcXqVH004q
- UNSAM (@unsamoficial) November 16, 2020
"In the event that the water that presents a cyanobacterial bloom comes into contact with mucous membranes, such as eyes, ears, mouth or nose; either from the production of aerosols during an aquatic activity (such as boating, water skiing, swimming, etc.) or direct ingestion while bathing, can lead to symptoms similar to gastroenteritis or flu symptoms, including fever and headache, "he warned.
"The intake of large amounts of water, and depending on the abundance of cyanobacteria and their toxicity,
can also cause liver damage
, kidneys, lungs or even the brain depending on the cyanotoxin found in the water," added the scientific.
Finally, Frau stressed that "
cyanobacterial blooms are not necessarily toxic
" since they vary according to the different strains of the bacteria.
"In the presence of a flowering, one must always assume that it is potentially toxic and take the necessary precautions to avoid health problems," he concluded.
Source: Télam
AFG