Contents

• Introduction
• Cynobacteria
• Impact on human health
• Diagnosis of Cyanobacerial Poisoning
• Remedial measures
• Recommendation
• Conclusion
• References

Description

Cyanobacteria or blue-green algae is a phylum of bacteria that derives its energy through the process of photosynthesis. The blue-green algae is found to exist in both salt waters as well as fresh waters. It is found in several colors such as blue, blue green, green, reddish brown etc. It is commonly observed in the form of algal blooms in recreational waters. Although, the origin of these micro bacteria are not known yet , they are found to have adverse effects on human health when a person comes into contact with the blue-green algae. If a person comes into physical contacts with the algal bloom, especially while swimming the cyanobacteria are known to cause skin irritations, infections and even conjunctivitis. While the external contact with algal bloom causes skin infections, intake of water infested with cyanobacteria could cause serious health hazard outbreaks. Some of the diseases that are associated with the intake of water infested with cyanobacteria are gastro enteritis, stomach disorders, diarrhea, vomiting etc. The paper discusses the nature and existence of cyanobacteria, the impact of cyanotoxins on human health when came into contact with them or on consumption of cyanotoxins contaminated water. The paper then discusses the diagnosis of symptoms of cyanotoxin infections. The essay then dwells into the methods employed in the prevention of the growth of blue-green algae. The paper finally makes recommendations on the measures to be taken at civic bodies’ level and at individual levels to manage and control cyanobacteria.