Prohibition of Swimming in Schultheis Due to Presence of Blue-Green Algae
Offenbach Schultheis-Weiher Under Bathing Ban Due to Blue-Green Algae Presence
The Offenbach Schultheis-Weiher has been placed under a bathing ban due to the presence of blue-green algae (cyanobacteria). This decision comes following regular water analyzes and pond assessments conducted by the Environmental and Climate Office and the Health Office of the City of Offenbach.
The water in the pond has a green turbidity with a visibility depth of less than 50 centimeters, and a closed carpet of cyanobacteria forms on the water surface. The mass reproduction of cyanobacteria is often due to an overfertilization of waters, known as eutrophication, which can be caused by high nutrient concentrations from agriculture or urban surroundings.
The bathing season at the Schultheis-Weiher runs from May 1 to September 15, but the ban will remain in effect until the water quality improves. The current restriction affects only the water quality, and other recreational activities at the pond are not affected by the bathing ban. A security service with bathing supervision is on site during the bathing season. The city will inform separately when the bathing ban is lifted.
Blue-green algae can pose significant health risks to both humans and animals. In humans, symptoms of toxic exposure include rashes, diarrhea, respiratory problems, and in rare cases, liver damage. Sensitive individuals, such as children, the elderly, and those with compromised immune systems, are at increased risk even at low concentrations of toxins. Prevention measures include avoiding swimming in areas with visible blooms, not ingesting water that may contain blue-green algae, and showering after contact with contaminated water.
In animals, particularly dogs, exposure can lead to severe neurologic or liver damage. Symptoms include seizures, panting, excessive drooling, respiratory failure, diarrhea, disorientation, vomiting, and potentially death. Prevention measures for pets include preventing them from drinking from stagnant or visibly contaminated water sources, avoiding allowing them to swim in areas with blue-green algae blooms, and rinsing them thoroughly after exposure to minimize ingestion of algae stuck to fur.
General prevention strategies include being aware of the appearance of blue-green algae, which can look like pea-green paint or slime on the water's surface, and staying away from areas with visible blooms. It is also advisable to avoid treating these areas with herbicides or algaecides, as this can release more toxins into the water.
References:
- Blue-green algae (cyanobacteria) in freshwater
- Blue-green algae (cyanobacteria) in freshwater
- Health Risks of Blue-green Algae Exposure
- Blue-green algae (cyanobacteria) in freshwater
- What about the potential impact on health-and-wellness, particularly considering the presence of blue-green algae (cyanobacteria) in the Offenbach Schultheis-Weiher?
- Given the adverse effects of blue-green algae (cyanobacteria) on health and the environmental-science behind its mass reproduction, it's crucial to endorse preventive measures to safeguard both humans and animals.
