How does a cyanobacteria bloom affect an ecosystem?

Cyanobacterial blooms can severely damage water ecosystems, causing fish and plants to suffocate and die. They compromise the water quality and safety for animals and people by releasing Cyanotoxins into the water. When the Cyanobacteria in the bloom start to disintegrate, they produce unpleasant tastes and odors.

What are the 5 environmental factors that shape aquatic ecosystems?

Factors that affect aquatic ecosystems include water flow rate, salinity, acidity, oxygen, light levels, depth, and temperature.

What effect does eutrophication have on aquatic ecosystems?

Eutrophication sets off a chain reaction in the ecosystem, starting with an overabundance of algae and plants. The excess algae and plant matter eventually decompose, producing large amounts of carbon dioxide. This lowers the pH of seawater, a process known as ocean acidification.

What do Cyanotoxins do?

Cyanotoxins are toxins produced by cyanobacteria (also known as blue-green algae). Blooming cyanobacteria can produce cyanotoxins in such concentrations that they poison and even kill animals and humans.

What are the benefits of cyanobacteria?

The cyanobacteria are bestowed with ability to fix atmospheric N2, decompose the organic wastes and residues, detoxify heavy metals, pesticides, and other xenobiotics, catalyze the nutrient cycling, suppress growth of pathogenic microorganisms in soil and water, and also produce some bioactive compounds such as …

What are the functions of cyanobacteria in aquatic ecosystems?

Cyanobacteria are important in the nitrogen cycle. Cyanobacteria are very important organisms for the health and growth of many plants. They are one of very few groups of organisms that can convert inert atmospheric nitrogen into an organic form, such as nitrate or ammonia.

What are 3 limiting factors in an aquatic ecosystem?

Most aquatic organisms do not have to deal with extremes of temperature or moisture. Instead, their main limiting factors are the availability of sunlight and the concentration of dissolved oxygen and nutrients in the water.

Why does aquatic life get killed in an Eutrophied pond?

The algae may use up all the oxygen in the water, leaving none for other marine life. This results in the death of many aquatic organisms such as fish, which need the oxygen in the water to live.

What are the negative effects of eutrophication?

The known consequences of cultural eutrophication include blooms of blue-green algae (i.e., cyanobacteria, Figure 2), tainted drinking water supplies, degradation of recreational opportunities, and hypoxia.

What happens if you are exposed to cyanobacteria?

Exposure can cause conjunctivitis, rhinitis, earache, sore throat, and swollen lips. Respiratory effects can include atypical pneumonia and a hay fever-like syndrome. Exposure can also cause electrolyte imbalances, headache, malaise, and muscle weakness/ pain in joints and limbs.

What should you do if you are exposed to blue green algae?

What should I do if I suspect a bloom?

1. Know it. Be able to identify suspicious blooms so you can avoid them.
2. Avoid it. People, pets, and livestock should avoid areas with blooms or surface scums, or water that is noticeably discolored.
3. Never drink it. Never drink untreated surface water.
4. Report it.