Heatwave turns Scottish rivers and lochs into toxic soup that can kill animals and seriously hurt as experts warn public to be on lookout
The potentially lethal algae has been blooming in lochs during the country's long summer and warm weather
SCOTLAND's rivers and lochs are being turned into potentially deadly soup because of the long heatwave.
Temperatures have rocketed across the country over the past few months - with records tumbling as the mercury rises.
Now experts have warned of a toxic algae that's developing in watery areas as a result of the long summer.
Blue-green algae poses a health risk to both humans and animals and has flourished as a result.
And the BBC reports that it's reportedly led to the death of two dogs in separate parts of Scotland earlier this summer.
Experts are urging the public to be on the lookout for the toxic sludge - which can cause serious health problems for humans.
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Prof Laurence Carvalho, from the who works at the Centre for Ecology and Hydrology, said blue-green algae had been a particular problem this summer.
He said: "Not only has it been very warm but it has also been very dry, which means they have not been flushed out of water courses by rain.
"Animals will drink from water if they are thirsty and it seems dogs are particularly affected because they seem to be attracted by the smell of the algae.
"Algal blooms can be a major health hazard as they commonly produce potent toxins that can result in people experiencing skin rashes, eye irritations, fever, muscle pain and worse.
"They can also be a significant hazard to animals; dog owners and farmers need to ensure their pets or livestock do not drink from waters affected by blue-green algae."
Prof Carvalho has helped develop an app that lets the public log pics of the algae and where it's been found.
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And the info will be passed to the Scottish Environment Protection Agency who will then inform local authorities.
He said: "The app provides an early warning system and speeds up the process of local authorities or landowners putting up signs at sites where there is blue-green algae, to warn the public of the risks.
"It will also help us understand the drivers of growth of these algae, such as the impact of climate change."
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