Do you know the importance of cyanobacteria identification?
Cyanobacteria, also known as blue-green algae, are organisms widely distributed in aquatic environments worldwide. Although often recognized as a natural part of aquatic ecosystems, cyanobacteria can pose a serious problem when they multiply excessively, forming the so-called "blooms" or "florations". These blooms can cause significant adverse impacts on human health, aquatic life, and ecosystems in general.
One of the main reasons for cyanobacteria identification lies in the ability of these organisms to produce toxins, known as cyanotoxins.
When present in high levels, these cyanotoxins pose a threat to public health, capable of causing a variety of adverse effects in humans, animals, and aquatic organisms. Among the most common effects are skin irritations, gastroenteritis, liver damage, neurotoxicity, and even death in extreme cases.
Identifying cyanobacteria is crucial to prevent and manage the risks associated with cyanobacterial blooms. Regular monitoring of water bodies, both natural and artificial, allows for the detection of the presence and quantity of these organisms, as well as the cyanotoxins they can produce. With this information at hand, environmental managers can take proactive measures to mitigate the impacts of cyanobacterial blooms.
In addition to the risks to human health, cyanobacterial blooms can also have devastating consequences for aquatic ecosystems.
The excessive growth of these organisms can cause the death of fish and other aquatic organisms, due to decreased oxygen levels in the water and the blocking of sunlight necessary for the photosynthesis of aquatic plants. This can lead to a cascade of negative effects throughout the food chain, affecting not only biodiversity but also fishing and other economic activities dependent on water resources.
Furthermore, cyanobacterial blooms can negatively affect the quality of water for human consumption, requiring additional treatment measures and increasing the operating costs of water supply systems. Therefore, early identification and continuous monitoring of cyanobacteria are essential to protect not only public health but also aquatic ecosystems and local economies.
The mandatory analysis of cyanobacteria established by the National Environment Council (CONAMA) and by Ordinance 888 is a significant milestone in protecting public health and preserving aquatic ecosystems. Such regulations aim to ensure water quality and the safety of water resources, recognizing the risks associated with cyanobacterial blooms.
We recognize the growing need to empower professionals and institutions to effectively and accurately identify and count cyanobacteria.
Our courses on cyanobacteria identification and counting have been developed by experts in the field and are designed to empower professionals in the areas of environment, public health, sanitation, and water resources management. Throughout the course, participants will have the opportunity to learn about different methods of cyanobacteria identification, sampling techniques, water sample analysis, and result interpretation.
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