Kékalgás

Kékalgás is a term used to describe the phenomenon of blue-green algae blooming in bodies of water. These blooms are actually caused by cyanobacteria, a type of bacteria that photosynthesizes and can appear in various colors, including blue and green. They are often indicative of eutrophication, a process where excessive nutrients, such as nitrogen and phosphorus, enter the water.

These nutrient overloads typically stem from human activities like agricultural runoff containing fertilizers and sewage discharge. When conditions are favorable, such as warm temperatures and calm water, these cyanobacteria can multiply rapidly, forming dense mats on the water's surface.

Kékalgás can have significant ecological impacts. The dense blooms can block sunlight from reaching submerged aquatic vegetation, hindering their growth. As the algae die and decompose, bacteria consume large amounts of dissolved oxygen, leading to hypoxic or anoxic conditions that can suffocate fish and other aquatic life. Some species of cyanobacteria also produce toxins that can be harmful to humans, pets, and wildlife if ingested or through skin contact. These toxins can cause gastrointestinal issues, skin irritation, and in severe cases, liver or neurological damage. Public health advisories are often issued when toxic kékalgás is detected.