sinilevä

Sinilevä is a Finnish term referring to cyanobacteria blooms, often colloquially called blue-green algae. These are not true algae but rather a type of bacteria, specifically photosynthetic bacteria belonging to the phylum Cyanobacteria. Sinilevä blooms occur when these microorganisms multiply rapidly in bodies of water, often in nutrient-rich conditions. This typically happens during warm summer months, especially in lakes and coastal waters.

The visual characteristic of a sinilevä bloom is a noticeable discoloration of the water, ranging from a greenish hue to a deep blue or even reddish-brown, resembling paint spilled on the surface. These blooms can form thick mats or films. Many species of cyanobacteria can produce toxins, known as cyanotoxins. When these toxins are present in high concentrations, sinilevä blooms can pose a significant risk to human and animal health. Direct contact with contaminated water, ingestion of water, or consumption of fish or shellfish from affected areas can lead to various symptoms.

Due to the potential health risks, authorities often monitor sinilevä blooms and issue advisories. These advisories typically recommend avoiding swimming, water sports, and consuming fish from areas with visible blooms. Pets should also be prevented from drinking or coming into contact with the water. In Finland, sinilevä is a recurring environmental concern, prompting research into its causes and mitigation strategies, which often focus on reducing nutrient pollution from agriculture and wastewater.