UPDATED 23/07/07

Blue- Green Alge

There is no easy definition of an alga. Algae are microscopic organisms and are generally thought of as simple aquatic plants which do not have roots, stems or leaves and have primitive methods of reproduction. Algae live in a wide range of aquatic environments and are a natural component of most aquatic ecosystems in association with other organisms, especially fungi (lichens), and animals. Aquatic algae are found in both fresh and marine waters. They range in size from large kelps (meters in length) to those visible only under a microscope
Blue-green algae differ distinctly from plants and all other algae, in that they have a cellular structure and function that is more common to bacteria than to the plant kingdom. Cyanobacteria; the scientific name for blue-green algae, or "pond scum" when first recognized was  blue-green in colour, which is how the algae got their name. The blue green algae form in shallow, warm, slow-moving or still water. An accumulation of this algae or cyanobacteria in a body of water is called a bloom. Appearing mostly in the hot summer months these blooms have the ability to control their buoyancy rising and sinking, appearing where light and nutrient like phosphorus and nitrogen are at their highest.
Coming in contact with this type of bacteria are the possibilities of experiencing headaches, fever, diarrhea, abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting.  Swimming in the contaminated water may incur some itch and irritation of the eyes and skin, as well as other hay fever-like allergic reactions. While some forms of these bacteria create minor suffering, some are known to attack the liver or the nervous system. Beware during the hot summer months, because most Canadian lakes contain even minimal traces of these Blue - green algae.