As of: April 5, 2024, 5:06 a.m
By: Katarina Amtmann
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The pond shines purple. © Karl-Josef Hildenbrand/dpa +++ dpa-Bildfunk +++
It is a phenomenon that only occurs every few years. An expert explains why the pond in Bavaria suddenly glows purple.
Füssen - Lakes can shine in many different colors. But they rarely shimmer purple. But it does happen under certain conditions, as a Bavarian pond is currently proving.
Natural spectacle in the Allgäu: pond shimmers purple - the phenomenon last occurred in 2020
A lake that shines in shades of purple is currently attracting a lot of attention in Ostallgäu. The so-called gypsum marsh near Füssen gets its color from bacteria. This phenomenon usually only occurs every few years; most recently, purple bacteria changed the color of the pond in 2020.
In order for the bacteria to appear, the water must contain little oxygen and sulfur, explained Karl Schindele, head of the water management office in Kempten, on Wednesday, April 3rd. “The bacteria are usually further down in the water, so you can’t see them.” Under certain conditions they would come to the surface. Factors such as temperature, wind and light influence the discoloration. It is therefore impossible to predict how long this natural spectacle will last.
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Pond in Bavaria suddenly turns purple: Bacteria are not a health threat
In the last few days, numerous curious people have already made their way to the lake. Schindele sees no health risks for people or animals. In contrast to blue-green algae, which can also occur in lakes, the purple bacteria do not produce any toxins, he emphasized. Currently no one would go swimming in the pond because it is not bathing season and the water smells of sulfur. He also doesn't believe that dogs who like to drink from water could become ill. “Of course they don’t like the water either.”
(kam/dpa)
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