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Bathing ban at Altmühlsee: Danger from toxic blue-green algae!
Due to increased blue-green algae concentrations, bathing bans were imposed at Altmühlsee. Information about health risks.
Bathing ban at Altmühlsee: Danger from toxic blue-green algae!
In the last few days, the summer heat has had a negative impact on the water quality at Altmühlsee. Due to a massive blue-green algae bloom, there was a ban on swimming at the Schlungenhof and Muhr am See bathing areas. According to the information from NN It cannot be ruled out that health risks may arise from the toxic cyanobacteria and their metabolic products. A swimming warning has also been issued for the Wald Seezentrum.
The dreaded blue-green algae are actually bacteria and not real algae, but they pose health risks. These microbes multiply en masse in shallow waters, particularly in warm, sunny and windless conditions. In large quantities, they can produce toxic substances that can lead to symptoms such as nausea, diarrhea and, in severe cases, respiratory problems. People with weakened immune systems, pregnant women and small children are particularly at risk NDR reported.
Health risks in view
Bathers and their four-legged friends should be particularly careful. The visible signs such as greenish streaks in the water should be taken seriously and can indicate a high level of danger. The health department recommends that you follow the current warnings on site and always use official bathing areas where the water quality is regularly checked.
Such a critical situation is particularly linked to the fact that the limited visibility depth in the water also increases the safety risk in any rescue operations. The Federal Environment Agency has found that increased concentrations of cyanobacteria in stagnant water may occur frequently during the summer months, due to climate change and rising temperatures.
Regular checks
Those responsible take the water quality at Altmühlsee seriously and carry out regular checks. There are monthly water samples at various bathing areas, including the Altmühlsee and the Hahnenkammsee. Monitoring is carried out for blue-green algae and other contaminants in order to issue measures such as swimming warnings or bans as quickly as possible if legal limit values are exceeded.
The situation is being continuously monitored and information is being made available to the public. Even though the bathing ban has been imposed on the two beaches, the hope is expressed that the health risks can soon be minimized again. Until then, bathers have no choice but to follow the relevant instructions and wait for the official release.