Public health warns of blue-green algae in Kingston's Inner Harbour
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KINGSTON — Kingston, Frontenac and Lennox and Addington Public Health is warning the public about a blue-green algae bloom in Kingston’s Inner Harbour.
Blue-green algae occurs and thrives in warm, shallow, undisturbed water that receives a lot of sunlight and that is rich in phosphorus and nitrogen, a news release from public health said. Animal and human waste and fertilizers containing these chemicals can contaminate water, which amplifies the growth of blue-green algae, the release said.
The bloom was discovered in Anglin Bay.
Some of the algae produce toxins that are harmful to humans and animals. Toxins can irritate the skin and, if ingested, can cause diarrhea and vomiting.
If a person or pet is exposed to high levels, including from long-term exposure, the toxins may cause liver and nervous system damage.
Dense blue-green algae blooms may make the water look like pea soup and can appear as shades of blue, blue-green, yellow, brown or red, the release said.
When a bloom is very large, algae may form solid-looking clumps. Fresh blooms often smell like newly mown grass; older blooms smell like rotting garbage.
The blooms can last from a few days, few weeks or up to a few months, depending on the conditions, and it’s impossible to predict how long they will last.
The algae will dissipate when the water temperature decreases.