{"id":571,"date":"2021-05-19T06:35:35","date_gmt":"2021-05-19T04:35:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/staging.blogs.yokogawa.de\/life-innovation\/2021\/05\/19\/cyanobacteria-monitoring-strategy\/"},"modified":"2022-07-21T11:46:12","modified_gmt":"2022-07-21T09:46:12","slug":"cyanobacteria-monitoring-strategy","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.yokogawa.com\/eu\/blog\/life-innovation\/cyanobacteria-monitoring-strategy\/","title":{"rendered":"The importance of a profound cyanobacteria monitoring strategy"},"content":{"rendered":"

Bathing lakes and Cyanobacteria monitoring<\/h2>\n

Remember the pre-pandemic times: The thermometer shows over 30 degrees and our body is craving for a cooldown. What could be more refreshing on hot summer days than to jump into a nearby lake? However, it happens that bathing lakes are closed due to various reasons. Especially during the hot and sunny summer period between June and September, European freshwater bodies like lakes, reservoirs, or rivers often suffer from harmful algae bloom (HAB). This explosive spread of algae is mostly caused by cyanobacteria. Depending on nutrient intake, aeration, and exposure to sunlight and the wind direction, high concentrations of cyanobacteria can appear on water surfaces close to the waterside.<\/p>\n

[vc_hoverbox image=”1564″ primary_title=”What are Cyanobacteria?” hover_title=”Excursus: What are Cyanobacteria?” hover_background_color=”peacoc” css=”.vc_custom_1620381582255{background-color: #ffee00 !important;}”]Cyanobacteria are microscopic organisms. They are also called blue-green algae.\u00a0 In all types of water like fresh or marine water, cyanobacteria can be found. Even in brackish water, a combination of salt and fresh water, these single-celled organisms can exist. Sunlight enables them to produce their own food. Cyanobacteria love warm and high phosphorus and nitrogen environments. Having settled in such a calm, nutrient-rich environment, cyanobacteria multiply fast. Blooms appear which are visible on the surface of the water.[\/vc_hoverbox]<\/p>\n

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Are Cyanobacteria toxic to Humans?<\/h2>\n

If the concentration of these organisms reaches a certain level, they can strongly influence the water quality. Many cyanobacteria are able to produce toxins, which are often a health risk for humans and animals. These cyanotoxins can cause irritations of skin and mucus membranes, gastrointestinal and respiratory complaints. Humans can get in contact with cyanobacteria toxins by drinking or swimming in contaminated water. Furthermore, cyanobacteria are often one of the main reasons for taste and odor (T&O) problems during drinking water production from open reservoirs. Also, they tend to block filters. Often, the water is discolored by cyanobacteria and scum is visible on the water surface.<\/p>\n

Monitoring Cyanobacteria prevents T&O problems<\/h2>\n
\"FlowCam
FlowCam Cyano<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Over the last years, the monitoring and prevention of T&O problems has become a growing effort for many water utilities all over the world. The FlowCam Cyano by Yokogawa Fluid Imaging Technologies can be a helpful link in an effective chain of monitoring techniques. Applying the FlowCam Cyano helps to prevent T&O problems caused by harmful algae blooms. The key to being able to react fast is to clarify the following points first:<\/p>\n