Beware of toxic scum – people and pets should avoid blue-green algae in Wick River
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
After a warning was issued about Loch Watten this week, Highland Council now advises caution after blue-green algae was also found in Wick River.
The council's environmental health team state that blue-green algae was confirmed by SEPA (Scottish Environment Protection Agency) and was found by the footbridge at the riverside in Wick.
Related article:
Blue-green algae warning at Loch Watten
During this current period of prolonged warm weather, the chance of blue green algae (cyanobacteria) affecting water courses, particularly ponds, lochs, canals and rivers, increases significantly. Sometimes the blue green algae can form blooms, which can release toxins into the water. While usually green or blue-green in colour, they may be blue, black, dark brown or red. Samples taken at Loch Watten have also indicated the presence of blue-green algae.
Contact with blue-green algae can have health effects for humans and animals. The situation is being investigated by The Highland Council’s Environmental Health team, in partnership with NHS Highland Public Health and wider colleagues.
As a precautionary measure, contact with the algal scum should be avoided by people and pets. Notices have been posted next to the river warning that contact with the algal scum should be avoided.
You can find more information about blue-green algae at Public Health Scotland's website.
Cyanobacteria, also known as blue-green algae, can occur in fresh, brackish and sea waters throughout the world.
Surveys in different parts of the world have found that approximately 45 per cent to 90 per cent of blooms of blue-green algae produce a range of toxins including neuro- and hepatotoxins and lipopolysaccharides.
The assessment of the associated risks to public health from algal blooms is complex, therefore specialist advice should be sought.
