State and local environmental and public-health agencies have joined together to warn Long Beach residents and recreational users visiting El Dorado East Regional Park to exercise caution after environmental testing has confirmed the presence of cyanobacteria harmful algal blooms (cyanoHABs), also known as harmful or blue-green algae blooms, in waterbodies at the park. This is the first confirmed cyanoHAB reported for the region the 2017 season.
Earlier this month, scientists working with the Los Angeles Regional Water Quality Control Board sampled surface water along the shoreline near recreation areas and discovered a cyanoHAB. Local environmental and public-health agencies have begun the recommended postings at the locations.
Field and lab results show that the surface water contains high concentration of cyanobacteria. Lab testing confirmed presence of cyanobacteria species capable of producing many cyanobacteria toxins, and low levels of the toxin Anatoxin-a was detected. The levels of Anatoxin-a, a neurotoxin, exceeded the caution trigger level— recommending caution signs to be posted near recreational areas and any area that provides access to the water.
The concentration of the toxin is low and does not pose a threat to people swimming in the water. However, ingestion of algal material (such as scums and mats) could be dangerous.
Children should be kept away from algal material in the water and on the shore. They should not play or wade in areas that have any algal material and should not put any algal material in their mouths.
The most high-risk groups are dogs and wildlife as they eat the algal material and drink the water. Dog, fish and wildlife deaths have occurred in California every year from algal blooms, so pets should be kept out of the water and away from algal material accumulated on the shore. If they do swim in the water, they should be rinsed off with fresh water to remove any algal material from their fur.
Signs warning about the presence of harmful cyanobacteria have been posted by the City of Long Beach’s Department of Parks, Recreation & Marine.
Cyanobacteria toxins can be present even though a bloom is not visible. HABs vary in color and may range from vibrant to dark green, blue-green, yellow, brown, black or red. It is also worth noting that not all CyanoHABs will appear as accumulations on the surface of water as some are benthic (i.e. attached to the bottom of the waterbody), and others are planktonic (i.e. float within the water column at various depths). Bloom conditions can change rapidly and wind, and waves may move or concentrate the bloom into different regions of those water bodies. Not all areas of the water bodies have been tested for harmful cyanobacteria. As reports come in of algal blooms, State Water Board staff may follow up with appropriate environmental tests.
Recreational exposure to cyanobacteria and associated toxins can cause eye irritation, skin rash, mouth ulcers, vomiting, diarrhea and cold and flu-like symptoms. Pets can be especially susceptible because they tend to drink while in the water and lick their fur after, increasing their risk of exposure and illness. Symptoms of animal illness include: vomiting and/or diarrhea, lethargy, abnormal liver function test results, difficulty breathing, foaming at the mouth, muscle twitching and death.
“People are still encouraged to come to El Dorado East Regional Park and enjoy activities at the park,” reads a press release from California Water Boards. “However, we recommend that water users exercise healthy habits when playing in waters that have identified cyanobacteria blooms.”
Source: CA Water Boards
