Toxic Algae Invade Guatemala’s Treasured Lake Atitlan

Toxic Algae Invade Guatemala’s Treasured Lake Atitlan

Posted by News Editor in Latest News, RSS, Water on August 20, 2015 10:11

By Sherm Davis

PANAJACHEL, Guatemala, August 20, 2015 (ENS) – A thick bloom of algae known as cyanobacteria appeared in Lake Atitlan on August 3, the first such occurrence since 2009. But help appears to be on the way in the form of funds to upgrade the waste water treatment system and water supply in the Atitlán basin.

Located in the Guatemalan Highlands of the Sierra Madre mountain range, Lake Atitlan is the deepest lake in Central America and one of the most beautiful. The surrounding area became a national park in 1955.


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Cyanobacteria in Lake Atitlán, Guatemala. Aug. 18, 2015.
(Photo by Sherm Davis)
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An infestation of microalgae is considered a bloom when the concentration reaches two million parts per liter, and scientific tests demonstrate that this is a bloom unprecedented in modern history.

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The eutrophication, or excessive nutrient richness of the lake, is the main cause of this bloom, the scientists say. If left unchecked, they warn, the Microcystis cyanobacteria will cause toxification of the lake, making it unsuitable for human use.

More:
http://ens-newswire.com/2015/08/20/toxic-algae-invade-guatemalas-treasured-lake-atitlan/