In August of 2014, half a million people in Ohio and parts of Michigan faced a water crisis. An algae bloom in Lake Erie caused the water to become rich in microcystin, a toxic substance produced by blue-green algae, also known as cyanobacteria. This left people without safe drinking water for days.
What is Algae?
To understand algae, it’s important to know that blue-green algae aren't actually algae at all. These photosynthetic organisms are cyanobacteria, part of a diverse group of aquatic organisms that thrive in water bodies like lakes, rivers, and oceans.
While they are often grouped with green algae and brown algae, cyanobacteria are technically true bacteria.
How Do Algae Function?
Most algal species, including green algae and red algae, are essential for life on Earth. They play a significant role in producing oxygen, absorbing carbon dioxide, and supporting aquatic ecosystems.
Unicellular algae, such as microscopic algae, and macroscopic algae, like giant kelp, are key aquatic life forms. Through photosynthesis, algal cells use light energy and photosynthetic pigments like chlorophyll b to convert carbon dioxide into organic carbon, which sustains both marine life and land plants.
Cyanobacteria: Friend or Foe?
Although cyanobacteria are not true algae, they behave similarly in aquatic environments. These organisms have existed for billions of years and are essential to the production of oxygen on Earth.
However, under certain conditions, they can form toxic algal blooms that threaten human health and aquatic ecosystems. In high concentrations, blue-green algae can produce harmful toxins, as seen in the 2014 Lake Erie crisis.
Algae-toxic events like these pose a serious threat to freshwater supplies.
The Role of True Algae in Aquatic Environments
While cyanobacteria can be harmful, most algae are vital to maintaining the balance of aquatic ecosystems. Green algae, brown algae, and red algae are often found in both marine life and freshwater environments, where they serve as a food source for heterotrophic organisms.
These eukaryotic algae contribute to the food chain, supporting life from the smallest microscopic organisms to the largest whales, which feed on phytoplankton.
Algae exist in various forms, from unicellular algae to eukaryotic organisms like kelp. The presence of algal blooms, especially in nutrient-rich waters, can have both positive and negative effects on the environment.
Algae grow rapidly in warm temperatures, and while many algal species are harmless, others can produce toxins that affect both animals and humans.
Can Algae Be Dangerous?
Algae toxic blooms, such as red tides caused by dinoflagellates, can poison fish and shellfish. Humans consuming these toxic marine animals can experience serious health issues.
Certain algae, especially those that bloom uncontrollably, release dangerous substances that can harm living organisms in the water and beyond.
Where Can You Encounter Algae?
Algae and cyanobacteria are present in almost all aquatic environments. If you’re using municipal water sourced from lakes or reservoirs, it is typically safe for consumption.
However, during an algal bloom, you may receive warnings from your water supplier about potential risks. For those using well water, algal blooms are less likely, as algae lack the ability to grow in dark, enclosed systems.
Rainwater collection systems must be kept lightproof to prevent algae growing in the stored water. Algae rely on sunlight to thrive, so keeping storage areas dark can prevent growth. Interestingly, an old Australian tradition of using silver in cisterns is effective in killing harmful bacteria.
Silver ions interfere with bacteria’s ability to maintain their cell walls, making it an efficient solution.
The AquaBliss Solution
While many algae are beneficial for aquatic life and produce oxygen, some can be harmful, particularly during algae bloom events. To ensure your water is safe, especially when using it for drinking or showering, filtration systems like those from AquaBliss can be invaluable.
AquaBliss shower filters, particularly those with KDF 55, offer an additional layer of protection against harmful algal species and bacteria, ensuring that your water remains clean and safe.
After all, a shower should help you relax, not cause stress about contaminants! Check out AquaBliss's range of filtration products designed to address water quality issues, including the presence of green algae, blue-green algae, and other harmful organisms. If you have questions, feel free to contact AquaBliss.
We're here to help ensure your water stays safe and clean.
