Presence of cyanotoxins confirmed in Salton Sea
EL CENTRO — Imperial County Public Health Department issued an alert Friday warning the public of the presence of three potentially dangerous cyanotoxins from blue-green algae blooms in the Salton Sea.
Water samples collected from Desert Shores Harbor by the California Regional Water Quality Control Board have confirmed the presence of Anatoxin-a, Saxitoxin and Microcystin. The samples were taken on Oct. 2.
Cyanotoxins are byproducts blue-green algae, also known as cyanobacteria, which are found in most bodies of water. Current levels of cyanotoxins are low enough that they pose a relatively small health threat. However, at high levels, they can be potentially deadly.
“None of the testing performed to date has detected high levels of cyanobacteria in the Salton Sea,” said Jeff Lamoure, deputy director at the Imperial County Public Health Department. “There have been no reports from our medical community indicating illness associated with cyanobacteria exposure.”
Concerns about cyanobacteria in the Salton Sea have attracted attention in recent months due to the detection of blooming along the northern shore in Riverside County. The recent test results validated those concerns.
“Due to the levels recently detected of cyanobacteria in the Salton Sea, it is important that the community is informed so that individuals know to limit exposure to themselves and their pets,” said Dr. Stephen Munday, Imperial County health officer.
The public is being informed by the posting of signage in the area around the Salton Sea, as well as through other forms of communication such as social media and traditional media. County officials will be posting temporary signage in the Salton Sea until permanent signage is available.
The signage will be placed in strategic areas of the Salton Sea where the public is most likely to enter the water. Although the water from the Salton Sea is not used as a drinking water supply, individuals do visit the area for recreation.
Even though the testing was limited to the Desert Shores Harbor area, cyanobacteria may be present in other areas of the Salton Sea due to the changes in wind patterns and movement in the water. The Health Department said it is important to note that concentrated cyanobacteria are present in algae blooms, which can have an impact on an individual’s health.
Algae blooms can appear as cut grass in the water or blue-green, white or brown foam, scum or mats that can float on the water’s surface and accumulate along the shoreline and boat ramp area. Algae blooms and cyanobacteria are a common occurrence in lakes and can be caused by a combination of factors including nutrients, temperature, sunlight and water chemistry.
There is no way to eliminate the bacteria associated with algal blooms, said the Health Department’s Lamoure. “They are an inherent part of the overall algal community and are normally present in many bodies of water, including the Salton Sea. This type of bacteria thrive in warm, nutrient-rich water and when the conditions are right, the bacteria can grow quickly.”
Recreational exposure to toxic blue-green algae can cause eye irritation, allergic 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.
The Statewide Guidance on Cyanobacteria and Harmful Algal Blooms recommends the following for waters impacted by blue-green algae:
• Take care that pets and livestock do not drink the water, swim through algae, scums or mats, or lick their fur after going in the water.
• Avoid recreational activities in water containing algae blooms or scums or mats. Do not drink, cook or wash dishes with untreated surface water from these areas; common water purification techniques do not remove toxins.
• People should not eat mussels or other bivalves collected from these areas.
• Seek medical treatment immediately if you think that you, your pet, or livestock might have been poisoned by blue-green algae toxins, and alert the medical professional to the possible contact with blue-green algae.
The State Water Resources Control Board has developed a website about harmful algal blooms called “My Water Quality” and “California Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs),” which can be accessed on the State Water Resources Control Board’s web portals. See http:// www.mywaterquality. ca.gov/habs/
Lamoure said the County Public Health Department is in the process of developing informational material that will expand state efforts and will be posted in areas where the public would most commonly access the Salton Sea.
“With the public becoming more aware of harmful algal blooms, we want to make sure correct and up to date information is made available to the public,” he said.