It is better not to enter such water. Scientists warn against ‘toxic soup’
New research shows that Lake Erie periodically produces a mix of toxins that may enhance each other’s effects. This means a threat to people.
Lake Erie, one of the five Great Lakes of North America, has been struggling with cyanobacterial blooms for years. So far, scientists’ attention has focused mainly on microcystin – a toxin that can damage the liver and other body tissues. However, new research shows that the problem is much more complicated. Analyzes of samples taken from various parts of the lake showed the presence of many other potentially dangerous substances produced by cyanobacteria. Some of them were not previously included in water quality monitoring.
A dangerous discovery in one of the Great Lakes
Researchers called the discovered mixture “toxic” or “forbidden soup.” This is a situation in which many different chemical compounds produced by cyanobacteria are present in water at the same time.
The greatest concern is that these substances may affect each other. As a result, their harmful effects may be stronger than those of individual toxins. The scale of the threat depends on the specific combination of compounds and their concentration.
Experiments on human cells have yielded disturbing results
Scientists checked the effect of this mixture on human cells in laboratory conditions. Among others, the following were analyzed: impact on lung, kidney and liver cells.
The results suggest that some lesser-known substances may be as dangerous as microcystin. When they occur together, their effects may be even stronger. The study authors emphasize, however, that observations from cell cultures do not automatically mean the same effects on entire organisms.
The problem may affect lakes around the world
According to researchers, the discovery has significance far beyond Lake Erie. Cyanobacterial blooms are becoming more common around the world, and one of the reasons is the warming climate. Cyanobacteria thrive best in warm, sunny and calm waters. The increase in temperatures favors their expansion, which may affect the quality of drinking water, the safety of swimming areas and the functioning of ecosystems.
The authors of the publication in the journal “Environmental Toxicology” call for expanding water quality monitoring. In their opinion, testing individual toxins is not enough, because the real threat may result from their interactions.
