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Cyanobacterial blooms in Alberta recreational waters

Description

Cyanobacteria (also referred to as blue-green algae) are common photosynthetic bacteria that live in surface waters. Under favorable conditions, such as warm water and high nutrient content, these... More ≫

Description

Cyanobacteria (also referred to as blue-green algae) are common photosynthetic bacteria that live in surface waters. Under favorable conditions, such as warm water and high nutrient content, these bacteria can form nuisance “blooms”. The presence of blooms in recreational water causes unpleasant aesthetics and exposure to some toxin-producing blooms may pose potential health risks. Contact with blooms can cause skin rashes and irritation, itchy eyes, and ear infections. Inhaling water may cause allergic-like reactions, runny noses or sore throats. Ingestion of toxins can cause a range of symptoms (e.g., hepatotoxic or neurotoxic effects, and even death). There has been increased public awareness as a result of research over the past 20 years, recent monitoring efforts, and increased public education on the topic. In 2009, Alberta Health and Alberta Health Services began seasonal monitoring for cyanobacterial blooms at high use recreational beaches. In 2019, beach operators took over...

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Alberta safe beach protocol

Description

The Safe Beach Protocol was prepared to provide Albertans with a clear understanding of the management of recreational waters in the province. It provides information on the role of owners and... More ≫

Description

The Safe Beach Protocol was prepared to provide Albertans with a clear understanding of the management of recreational waters in the province. It provides information on the role of owners and operators in overseeing these sites, monitoring water quality and responding to health risks, with the support and commitment of provincial agencies. The information in this document may be of interest to policy makers, researchers, public health professionals, or members of the public who are interested in recreational water sites (beaches).

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North Saskatchewan regional plan : lake paleolimnology survey

Description

Pigeon and Wabamun Lakes are among the most heavily used recreational lakes in Alberta. Recently, apparent increases in algal blooms and fish kills have threatened the ecological integrity of... More ≫

Description

Pigeon and Wabamun Lakes are among the most heavily used recreational lakes in Alberta. Recently, apparent increases in algal blooms and fish kills have threatened the ecological integrity of these systems and may negatively affect their value to users. Limnological studies for the lakes are limited to the past 35 years, leading to uncertainty about the degree to which water quality has changed due to human activities. This study was initiated to fill this information gap from historical limnological data preserved in lake sediments. To better understand how to effectively manage cumulative impacts on the lakes, it is necessary to understand conditions in the lakes prior to development. Knowing these pre-development conditions will assist in setting reasonable and achievable goals for lake management.

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Alberta cyanobacteria beach monitoring 2010-2013

Description

Harmful blue-green algae (toxic cyanobacteria) blooms in surface water are prevalent in Alberta. The presence of blue-green algae in recreational water causes unpleasant aesthetics, and exposure... More ≫

Description

Harmful blue-green algae (toxic cyanobacteria) blooms in surface water are prevalent in Alberta. The presence of blue-green algae in recreational water causes unpleasant aesthetics, and exposure to some toxin-producing blue-green algae may pose potential health risks. There have been increased public awareness and health concerns as a result of increased research and public education over the past 20 years. This report presents the results of programs for monitoring cyanobacteria on Alberta beaches conducted by Alberta Health and Alberta Health Services between 2010 and 2013. It discusses the objectives and presents the findings of the monitoring programs and lists recommendations for further monitoring studies.

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2013 overview of Pigeon Lake water quality, sediment quality, and nonfish biota

Description

Severe cyanobacterial blooms in Pigeon Lake led to an increased concern about the lake's water quality. In order to better understand the ecology and chemistry of the lake and all the factors that... More ≫

Description

Severe cyanobacterial blooms in Pigeon Lake led to an increased concern about the lake's water quality. In order to better understand the ecology and chemistry of the lake and all the factors that may affect its water quality, an enhanced lake and watershed monitoring program was initiated in 2012 and expanded in 2013. Data was collected to provide insight into potential causes of blooms, to develop a nutrient budget in order to partition phosphorus sources in the watershed and to objectively evaluate what management approaches may be most appropriate for improving the water quality in the lake. This report provides a synopsis of all 2013 data collected.

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Pigeon Lake phosphorus budget

Description

Occurrences of significant blue-green algae blooms have resulted in stakeholders at Pigeon Lake seeking management options to assist with reducing the frequency and intensity of such events. To... More ≫

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Occurrences of significant blue-green algae blooms have resulted in stakeholders at Pigeon Lake seeking management options to assist with reducing the frequency and intensity of such events. To more effectively target activities, a nutrient budget was developed to identify phosphorus entering the lake from external and internal sources. The results of the study showed a relatively even split of external and internal phosphorous sources. This indicates that while watershed management efforts must be pursued, there may be merit in exploring in-lake options for controlling phosphorus release to achieve a more timely reduction of nuisance blooms in the future.

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Alberta Environment cyanotoxin program status report

Description

Alberta’s nutrient-rich lakes and reservoirs often experience blooms of cyanobacteria (a.k.a. blue-green algae) during summer and early fall. Common species of cyanobacteria can produce potent... More ≫

Description

Alberta’s nutrient-rich lakes and reservoirs often experience blooms of cyanobacteria (a.k.a. blue-green algae) during summer and early fall. Common species of cyanobacteria can produce potent liver and/or nerve toxins. Cyanotoxin monitoring was incorporated into Alberta’s Integrated Lake and Reservoir Monitoring Program in 2005 with the goal of determining the prevalence of MCYST in Alberta. In addition, we investigate the occurrence of multiple MCYST analogues, a potent neurotoxin anatoxin-a (ATX-a), and a potentially toxic amino acid, β-N-methylamino-L-alanine (BMAA) recently reported to be produced by cyanobacteria.

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Blue-green algal (cyanobacterial) blooms

Description

Alberta's nutrient-rich lakes, ponds and reservoirs can support blooms of blue-green algae, scientifically known as cyanobacteria, some of which can produce toxins hazardous to people, pets,... More ≫

Description

Alberta's nutrient-rich lakes, ponds and reservoirs can support blooms of blue-green algae, scientifically known as cyanobacteria, some of which can produce toxins hazardous to people, pets, livestock and wildlife.

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Cyanobacterial ("blue-green algae") blooms

Description

When cyanobacteria grow profusely and congregate, they make lake water look like pea soup. This phenomenon is called a bloom. Alberta has more than 100 species of cyanobacteria, ranging from tiny... More ≫

Description

When cyanobacteria grow profusely and congregate, they make lake water look like pea soup. This phenomenon is called a bloom. Alberta has more than 100 species of cyanobacteria, ranging from tiny cells invisible to the naked eye to large species that look like fine grass clippings, small shapeless clumps, or spheres several millimeters in diameter.

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Foam on surface waters

Description

Explains how foam forms on lakes, rivers, and streams.

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