Cyanobacteria is the scientific name for blue-green algae, or "pond scum." The first recognized species were blue-green in colour, which is how the algae got their name. Species identified since range in colour from olive-green to red.
Cyanobacteria form in shallow, warm, slow-moving or still water. They are made up of cells, which can house poisons called cyanobacterial toxins. A mass of cyanobacteria in a body of water is called a bloom. When this mass rises to the surface of the water, it is known as surface scum or a surface water bloom.- Health Canada
The increased presence of phosporous in water, largely emanating from fertilizers used in farms and gardens, as well as global warming are seen as the major causes for the spread of blue-green algae. The phenomenon which caused concern in Quebec over the past two summers, is actually global.
In June 2007, Quebec's Environment Minister Line Beauchamp announced a $12-million fund focused on individual action and water-treatment upgrades to battle blue green. The battle plan also involves planting 2.2 million trees and shrubs on waterfronts across the province over the next three years to create a buffer zone for waterways.
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August 17, 2009 - Listen Now!
Puppy dies within an hour of drinking blue-green tainted lake water in Ontario
Bill Benson talks to us about the loss of his puppy this summer due to blue-green algae. During a family camping trip to Caliper Lake Provincial Park, the dog drank water which was heavily contaminated with Anatoxin-a, a neurotoxin produced by blue-green algae.
August 13, 2007 - Listen Now!
Blue Green & Pets
Matt Lindon of the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency talks to us about the effects of blue-green algae on pets and how to protect them.
July 23, 2007 - Listen Now!
Blue Green in Saskatchewan
Richard Zitta, Senior Water Policy Analyst at Saskatchewan Environment talks to us about cyanobacteria blooms in Saskatchewan.
July 20, 2007 - Listen Now!
Blue Green Deaths
Wayne Carmichael, Professor of Aquatic Biology/Toxicology at Wright State University in Ohio talks to us about a cyanobacteria bloom in Brazil which got into the water system and killed patients receiving dialysis treatment.
July 20, 2007 - Listen Now!
SolarBee
Christopher Knud-Hansen, Ph.D., CLM Limnologist & Certified Lake Manager for SolarBee Inc talks to us about the SolarBee and how it can prevent cyanobacteria blooms.
July 20, 2007 - Listen Now!
Mt Tremblant Blue Green Algae
Mont Tremblant Mayor Pierre Pilon talks to us about how he has been dealing cyanobacteria blooms in multiple lakes.
July 19, 2007 - Listen Now!
Blue Green & North Hatley
Leonard Castagner, Director General for North Hatley talks to us about their blue green algae bloom last year, and what they are doing to avoid blooms in the future.
July 18, 2007 - Listen Now!
Blue Green Algae and Wildlife
Dr. Gary Wobeser Prof., Dept. of Veterinary Pathology at the University of Saskatchewan talks to us about the dangers of blue green algae to pets and wildlife.
July 16, 2007 - Listen Now!
Blue-Green goes airborne
Dr. Bill Bress, Vermont State Toxicologist talks to us about blue-green algae.
March 22, 2007 - Listen Now!
A Blue-Green Solution?
Martine Pawlowski of H2O Logics talks to us about the Solar Bee and managing a Blue-Green Algae bloom.
October 16, 2006 - Listen Now!
Mary Watzin
Director of the Rubenstein Ecosystem Science Laboratory at the University of Vermont talks to us about blue green algae.
October 16, 2006 - Listen Now!
Dr. Bill Bress
State toxicologist from the Vermont Department of Health discusses blue green algae and Lake Champlain.
October 16, 2006 - Listen Now!
Leonard Castagner
North Hatley's Director General will update listeners on the water crisis in lake Massawippi. Last Friday, officials warned people in the area not to touch, let alone drink, the water from the lake because of its toxicity.
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