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In several municipalities on Lake Zurich, discoloration of the water indicates the presence of toxic cyanobacteria. According to the authorities, the rally remains harmless.
Blue-green algae have been discovered in Lake Zurich off Horgen and Wädenswil (photo).
There is currently a higher incidence of poisonous blue-green algae in Lake Zurich, Radio Zürisee reported. At Horgen and Wädenswil, algae can be seen as discoloration on the surface of the water. These are blood algae from Burgundy, the so-called cyanobacteria, as the mayor of Horgen, Theo Leuthold, confirmed to the station. It also notes that the concentration is monitored daily and is currently safe. At Käpfnach Badi in Horgen, a warning sign now informs you that bathing in the lake is at your own risk due to the Burgundy blood algae.
No daily laboratory measurements
The head of the surface water protection section at the cantonal office for waste, water, energy and air, Pius Niederhauser, told the NZZ. Measurements have confirmed that it is the blood algae of Burgundy.
According to Niederhauser, there are currently no daily laboratory measurements, the focus is on optical monitoring of bathing areas, which works very well, and long-term monitoring data, which is collected every two weeks. This allowed a good assessment of the situation. According to Niederhauser, the situation has improved somewhat in recent days.
Pathogens are particularly dangerous to young children, dogs, and people with respiratory problems. In July, six dogs died in one day at Lake Neuchâtel after drinking lake water contaminated with cyanobacteria.
Only several liters are fatal
Limnologist Thomas Posch, who has been researching Burgundy blood algae in Lake Zurich for the University of Zurich for years, explains to “20 Minuten” that the poison from the algae affects both animals and humans. Even small amounts of the poison were enough to poison a person. Furthermore, in low concentrations it could cause skin irritation. However, to suffer a fatal poisoning, it is necessary to drink a few liters of contaminated seawater.
Cyanobacteria are a natural part of all lakes. However, the increasing warming of Lake Zurich has led to a sharp increase in its concentration in recent years.
