The largest tropical lake in the world turns green

Victoria, the largest lake in Africa and is also the largest tropical lake in the world, located in the border areas between 3 countries Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania. More than 47 million people are living on this lake. However, the lake is facing a serious problem – the lake changes green, IFL Science On March 29 reported.

Abnormal colors stemming from the increase in toxic blooming algae phenomena (Hab) – namely due to blue algae or blue bacteria. This is the result of a cultivation process, which occurs when an excess water waters, leading to creatures such as plants and algae.

In the case of Lake Victoria, Phu Duong and Hab appeared due to human activity that brought nutrients into the lake for more than a century. Domestic wastewater, agricultural and industrial wastewater are all related to this issue. There are also products from forest burning, biomass and industrial activities to be put into the atmosphere and poured into the lake.

Climate change also contributes to lake Victoria to turn green. “The blooming algae is becoming more popular in the world because the rising temperature promotes blue -blue algae development and the greater rain brings nutrients from the landscape,” researchers from the University of Michigan and Bowling Green State University explained.

Millions of people based on the supply of freshwater of Victoria lake – the second largest freshwater lake in the world, only after the Superior Lake in North America. However, Hab makes water unsafe.

New research by a group of scientists from the University of Michigan and Bowling Green State University shows that Microcystis, a popular blue blue algae in the Bay of Winam of Victoria, is secreting a large amount of Microcystin toxin. “This is a toxin that causes liver damage that can kill cattle, poultry, wildlife and humans, especially people with bad immune systems. In Winam Bay, this toxin is often higher than the health limit that WHO sets out,” the research team explained.

Lake Victoria also provides food for humans, mostly fish. However, Hab not only secretes toxins that are harmful to other fish and wildlife, but also can exhaust oxygen in the lake.

In fact, a recent study showed that the phenomenon of nourishment caused major changes in the food network in Mwanza Bay of Lake Victoria, becoming one of the factors that dropped the amount of fish. The situation is even more serious in some other areas of the lake, especially in remote areas. In some places, there is a lack of oxygen to the point where it is no longer able to maintain life.

Learning more about the type of blue -blue algae behind Hab can help scientists and policy makers find the best solution. For example, research by a group of experts from the University of Michigan and Bowling Green State University has determined which type of blue blue algae in Winam Bay, and which one is secreting an worried toxin. This information can help the authorities better understand the things to pay attention, then warn people when the phenomenon of algae blooms appears.

Prevention is also very important. Resolving climate change will need many efforts, but at the local level, scientists propose to improve instructions, upgrade infrastructure for agriculture and water treatment, re -plant forests, protect land before human activities, to prevent excess nutrients from entering Victoria lake.