Cyanobacterial blooms up slightly in lakes

Cyanobacterial observations in Finnish lakes increased slightly this week compared to last week, but abundant cyanobacterial blooms have not been observed, said the Finnish Environment Institute (SYKE) in a press release.

In the Finnish sea areas, some cyanobacterial observations have been made in the Archipelago Sea as well as on the coasts of the Gulf of Finland and the southern parts of the Bothnian Sea.

Pollen that misleadingly resembles cyanobacteria occurs in places, both in lakes and in sea areas.

SYKE observes the cyanobacteria occurrence as part of the monitoring of the state of the environment.

The national cyanobacterial monitoring is based on the monitoring of cyanobacterial deposits in surface water, and the intention is to provide an overview of the cyanobacterial situation in different water bodies.

This summer, cyanobacterial monitoring includes about 400 permanent observation sites across the country on inland and coastal waters and in the archipelago.

Information on the cyanobacterial situation in the open seas is mainly obtained from satellite images, but also from the Finnish Border Guard, the marine research vessel Aranda, the optical device located at the Utö Atmospheric and Marine Research Station as well as cruise and merchant ships (MS Finnmaid and MS Silja Serenade) equipped with Alg@line measuring equipment.

According to the guidelines of the National Institute for Health and Welfare (THL), water rich in cyanobacteria should always be treated in such a way that it may be harmful to health.

Cyanobacteria produce a number of different compounds that can cause symptoms. Some cyanobacteria can produce liver or nerve toxins, but most of the symptoms experienced by swimmers may also be due to other compounds.

Especially small children and pets should be kept out of water rich with cyanobacteria. Water with cyanobacteria should not be used in the sauna or as washing or irrigation water.