Iran is grappling with an unprecedented water crisis as Tehran enters its sixth consecutive year of extreme drought. Rivers, lakes, and reservoirs are at critically low levels, threatening agriculture, livelihoods, and urban water supply across the country. Experts warn that urgent measures are needed to prevent further environmental and humanitarian consequences.


Iran's President warns capital may be evacuated if rains don't come

Marvel at the historical Jagannath Temple in Puri, a sacred pilgrimage site, famous for its annual Rath Yatra and intricate carvings that narrate mythological tales.

Temples, Forests & Forgotten Kingdoms: 8 Magical Places in Odisha You Must See

The hidden gem of Sasthamcotta Lake, known for its unique ecosystem, provides a sanctuary for diverse wildlife, making it a must-visit for nature enthusiasts.

Secret Shores: 6 Hidden Lakes Near Kerala You’ve Probably Never Heard Of

<p>New research has uncovered a significant drop in oxygen levels across Earth's lakes, with some losing oxygen up to nine times faster than oceans. Between 1980 and 2017, global lake oxygen levels declined by 5.5 per cent in surface waters and 18.6 per cent in deep waters, according to a study published in Science Advances.</p>
<h2><strong>Heatwaves and rising temperatures are major culprits</strong></h2>
<p>Researchers from the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), led by geographer Yibo Zhang, analysed satellite imagery and climate data to understand the causes behind these losses.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Their study found that from 2003 to 2023, 85 per cent of the 15,535 lakes examined experienced an increase in heatwave days per year. These heatwaves contributed to 7.7 per cent of the oxygen depletion by reducing water&rsquo;s ability to retain oxygen.</p>
<p><strong>Also read | </strong><a class="gh-archive-page-post-title-link" href="https://www.wionews.com/science-tech/spider-eggs-on-mars-nasa-scientists-spot-strange-mysterious-object-on-red-planet-see-close-up-image-8905669" aria-label="Spider eggs on Mars? NASA scientists spot strange, mysterious object on Red Planet - see close-up image">Spider eggs on Mars? NASA scientists spot strange, mysterious object on Red Planet - see close-up image</a></p>
<p>However, the most significant factor remains rising global temperatures, which account for up to 55 per cent of the oxygen loss. If this warming trend continues, lakes worldwide could experience an additional 9 per cent decline in oxygen by the end of the century.</p>
<h2><strong>Algal blooms worsening the crisis</strong></h2>
<p>Beyond temperature increases, the researchers attributed 10 per cent of the oxygen decline to more frequent and severe algal blooms. These blooms, fueled by excess nutrients from fertilizer runoff and livestock waste, consume large amounts of oxygen, further depleting lake ecosystems.</p>
<p><strong>Also read | </strong><a class="gh-archive-page-post-title-link" href="https://www.wionews.com/science-tech/watch-nasa-astronaut-develops-special-cup-to-drink-coffee-in-space-8904403" aria-label="Watch: NASA astronaut develops special cup to drink coffee in space">Watch: NASA astronaut develops special cup to drink coffee in space</a></p>
<h2><strong>Consequences for wildlife and human communities</strong></h2>
<p>Oxygen depletion is creating &lsquo;dead zones&rsquo; in lakes, making them uninhabitable for aquatic life. Mass die-offs of fish and other species have already been observed worldwide, including eels in New Zealand, Murray cod in Australia, and fish and mussels in Poland and Germany.</p>
<p>Lakes are also facing increased evaporation due to a warming atmosphere, accelerating shifts between drought and flooding. These disruptions threaten ecosystems and local economies, with severe implications for food security. The destruction of Earth&rsquo;s fourth-largest lake serves as a stark warning of the consequences.<br>Potential Solutions.</p>
<p>According to CAS ecologist Shi Kun, planting submerged vegetation and constructing wetlands could also play a role in restoring lake ecosystems.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>

Heatwaves and rising temperatures are major culprits
SCIENCE & TECH| Researchers from the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), led by geographer Yibo Zhang, analysed satellite imagery and climate data to understand the causes behind these losses.

New research has uncovered a significant drop in oxygen levels across Earth's lakes, with some losing oxygen up to nine times faster than oceans. Between 1980 and 2017, global lake oxygen levels declined by 5.5 per cent in surface waters and 18.6 per cent in deep waters, according to a study published in Science Advances. Heatwaves and rising temperatures are major culprits Researchers from the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), led by geographer Yibo Zhang, analysed satellite imagery and climate data to understand the causes behind these losses. Their study found that from 2003 to 2023, 85 per cent of the 15,535 lakes examined experienced an increase in heatwave days per year. These heatwaves contributed to 7.7 per cent of the oxygen depletion by reducing water’s ability to retain oxygen. Also read | Spider eggs on Mars? NASA scientists spot strange, mysterious object on Red Planet - see close-up image However, the most significant factor remains rising global temperatures, which account for up to 55 per cent of the oxygen loss. If this warming trend continues, lakes worldwide could experience an additional 9 per cent decline in oxygen by the end of the century. Algal blooms worsening the crisis Beyond temperature increases, the researchers attributed 10 per cent of the oxygen decline to more frequent and severe algal blooms. These blooms, fueled by excess nutrients from fertilizer runoff and livestock waste, consume large amounts of oxygen, further depleting lake ecosystems. Also read | Watch: NASA astronaut develops special cup to drink coffee in space Consequences for wildlife and human communities Oxygen depletion is creating ‘dead zones’ in lakes, making them uninhabitable for aquatic life. Mass die-offs of fish and other species have already been observed worldwide, including eels in New Zealand, Murray cod in Australia, and fish and mussels in Poland and Germany. Lakes are also facing increased evaporation due to a warming atmosphere, accelerating shifts between drought and flooding. These disruptions threaten ecosystems and local economies, with severe implications for food security. The destruction of Earth’s fourth-largest lake serves as a stark warning of the consequences. Potential Solutions. According to CAS ecologist Shi Kun, planting submerged vegetation and constructing wetlands could also play a role in restoring lake ecosystems.

Earth’s lakes are losing oxygen at alarming rates, study finds

<p>Lake Erie in North America has been taken over by toxins-producing algae, photos taken from space show. It has turned a lurid green as algae blooms across its surface, with people being warned to stay out of the water.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The blue-green algae was covering roughly 320 square miles of the lake on the day the photo was taken on August 13. It exploded to over 660 square miles by August 22, pictures taken by the OLI-2 (Operational Land Imager-2) on the Landsat 9 show.</p>

<p>According to NOAA, the algae started blooming on June 24 this year, the earliest algal bloom in Lake Erie for over 20 years.</p>

<p>The algae is also known to release toxins and so people have been warned not to enter the waters. "While toxicity varies throughout the bloom, toxins concentrate in surface scums during calm weather. People and pets should not swim in areas with scum," NOAA noted in a report in July.</p>

<p>The dominant species in the bloom is Microcystis aeruginosa, which is a species of cyanobacteria, also known as blue-green algae. It is responsible for the release of harmful algal blooms (HABs) in freshwater systems worldwide. M. aeruginosa is known to produce a toxin called microcystin, which is harmful to both humans and animals. The toxin primarily affects the liver.&nbsp;</p>

<p>These algae create concentrated areas of toxins in the water bodies as cells aggregate into large floating mats or scums on the surface of water bodies.</p>

<p>NOAA's Great Lakes Environmental Research Laboratory said the toxins in the first week of discovery measured at "concentrations above the recreational limit".</p>

<p>Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/california-lake-full-of-cyanide-hiding-previously-unknown-creatures-752902">California lake full of cyanide hiding previously unknown creatures</a></p>

<p>Any kind of contact with microcystin, either through drinking water, eating contaminated fish, or a water activity can cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea and skin irritation. In extreme cases, it can cause liver damage. Animals can die due to poisoning.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Algal blooms also affect marine life adversely by reducing oxygen levels in the water during decomposition. This creates dead zones where aquatic life is unable to survive.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Fertilisers, manure, wastewater discharges and stormwater cause nutrients like phosphorus and nitrogen to enter water. These nutrients have been strongly linked to microcystis blooms.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Nutrient input from the Maumee River is the dominant driver of HAB variability from year to year," Brice Grunert, a professor in the Department of Biological, Geological, and Environmental Sciences at Cleveland State University, said in a NASA Earth Observatory statement.<br />
&nbsp;</p>


Lake Erie in North America has been taken over by toxins-producing algae, photos taken from space show. It has turned a lurid green as algae blooms across its surface, with people being warned to stay out of the water.

Lake Erie in North America has been taken over by toxins-producing algae, photos taken from space show. It has turned a lurid green as algae blooms across its surface, with people being warned to stay out of the water. The blue-green algae was covering roughly 320 square miles of the lake on the day the photo was taken on August 13. It exploded to over 660 square miles by August 22, pictures taken by the OLI-2 (Operational Land Imager-2) on the Landsat 9 show. According to NOAA, the algae started blooming on June 24 this year, the earliest algal bloom in Lake Erie for over 20 years. The algae is also known to release toxins and so people have been warned not to enter the waters. "While toxicity varies throughout the bloom, toxins concentrate in surface scums during calm weather. People and pets should not swim in areas with scum," NOAA noted in a report in July. The dominant species in the bloom is Microcystis aeruginosa, which is a species of cyanobacteria, also known as blue-green algae. It is responsible for the release of harmful algal blooms (HABs) in freshwater systems worldwide. M. aeruginosa is known to produce a toxin called microcystin, which is harmful to both humans and animals. The toxin primarily affects the liver. These algae create concentrated areas of toxins in the water bodies as cells aggregate into large floating mats or scums on the surface of water bodies. NOAA's Great Lakes Environmental Research Laboratory said the toxins in the first week of discovery measured at "concentrations above the recreational limit". Also Read: California lake full of cyanide hiding previously unknown creatures Any kind of contact with microcystin, either through drinking water, eating contaminated fish, or a water activity can cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea and skin irritation. In extreme cases, it can cause liver damage. Animals can die due to poisoning. Algal blooms also affect marine life adversely by reducing oxygen levels in the water during decomposition. This creates dead zones where aquatic life is unable to survive. Fertilisers, manure, wastewater discharges and stormwater cause nutrients like phosphorus and nitrogen to enter water. These nutrients have been strongly linked to microcystis blooms. "Nutrient input from the Maumee River is the dominant driver of HAB variability from year to year," Brice Grunert, a professor in the Department of Biological, Geological, and Environmental Sciences at Cleveland State University, said in a NASA Earth Observatory statement.

North American lake fills up with toxins-releasing algae visible from space

<p>Scientists have been left stunned after they found a diverse seascape on Saturn’s moon Titan appearing eerily similar to Earth.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Just like freshwater rivers and salty oceans flowing on Earth, scientists have now found strange lakes, rivers and oceans flowing on Titan.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Unlike the water oceans present on Earth, the lakes of Titan are filled with ethane and methane which are in liquid form at the average surface temperature of the planet which is about -179°C (-290°F).</p>

<p>The surface and composition of Titan’s seas were mapped by Valerio Poggiali&nbsp;at Cornell University, New York and his colleagues using a different radar technique in which an increased amount of ethane was revealed.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/scientists-plan-to-redefine-meaning-of-the-planet-but-pluto-still-remains-out-of-list-740584">Scientists plan to revisit definition of planet but Pluto still remains out of list</a></p>

<p>“The more north you go, the cleaner and purer the seas are; they’re more methane-dominated,” Poggiali said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In the new study, the signals from Cassini’s radar were analysed which reflected off the surface of the lakes and eventually received with the help of radio antennae on Earth operated by NASA, known as the Deep Space Network.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Wind-whipped waves emerging from Titan's rivers: Study</strong></h2>

<p>Poggiali said that many of the rivers and estuaries, which fed the lakes, had rough surfaces beneath them which was a result of wind-whipped waves.</p>

<p>He added that this hints at active tides or currents which feed into the lakes.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“Activity on the surface of the seas is super important if you want to plan a future mission, like a Titan submarine, but also to be able to better understand Titan’s environments in terms of wind and its atmospheric characteristics," Poggiali said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Poggiali and his colleagues also discovered that there was higher composition of methane in the rivers before they reached the lakes.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Scientists say the Earth's core is behaving oddly. Here's why</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/scientists-say-the-earths-core-is-behaving-oddly-heres-why-739062/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>Ingo Mueller-Wodarg&nbsp;at Imperial College London said that it will help them in tracking the ethane and methane cycle on Titan.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“When a river enters a large, salty ocean on Earth, then you would see that, near where the river enters, you have a lower salinity of the water,” he said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“It's kind of a similar thing happening here, only that it's not about the content of salt, but the relative proportion of methane and ethane," he added.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Scientists have been left stunned after they found a diverse seascape on Saturn’s moon Titan appearing eerily similar to Earth. Just like freshwater rivers and salty oceans flowing on Earth, scientists have now found strange lakes, rivers and oceans flowing on Titan.

Scientists have been left stunned after they found a diverse seascape on Saturn’s moon Titan appearing eerily similar to Earth. Just like freshwater rivers and salty oceans flowing on Earth, scientists have now found strange lakes, rivers and oceans flowing on Titan. Unlike the water oceans present on Earth, the lakes of Titan are filled with ethane and methane which are in liquid form at the average surface temperature of the planet which is about -179°C (-290°F). The surface and composition of Titan’s seas were mapped by Valerio Poggiali at Cornell University, New York and his colleagues using a different radar technique in which an increased amount of ethane was revealed. Also Read: Scientists plan to revisit definition of planet but Pluto still remains out of list “The more north you go, the cleaner and purer the seas are; they’re more methane-dominated,” Poggiali said. In the new study, the signals from Cassini’s radar were analysed which reflected off the surface of the lakes and eventually received with the help of radio antennae on Earth operated by NASA, known as the Deep Space Network. Wind-whipped waves emerging from Titan's rivers: Study Poggiali said that many of the rivers and estuaries, which fed the lakes, had rough surfaces beneath them which was a result of wind-whipped waves. He added that this hints at active tides or currents which feed into the lakes. “Activity on the surface of the seas is super important if you want to plan a future mission, like a Titan submarine, but also to be able to better understand Titan’s environments in terms of wind and its atmospheric characteristics," Poggiali said. Poggiali and his colleagues also discovered that there was higher composition of methane in the rivers before they reached the lakes. Watch: Scientists say the Earth's core is behaving oddly. Here's why Ingo Mueller-Wodarg at Imperial College London said that it will help them in tracking the ethane and methane cycle on Titan. “When a river enters a large, salty ocean on Earth, then you would see that, near where the river enters, you have a lower salinity of the water,” he said. “It's kind of a similar thing happening here, only that it's not about the content of salt, but the relative proportion of methane and ethane," he added. (With inputs from agencies)

Strange lakes, rivers and oceans are flowing on Saturn's moon. Scientists find it eerily similar to Earth

<p>As per a trio of new studies, the evidence of ‘subsurface lakes’ deep below the ice cap at Mars’ south pole could be due to clay.</p>

<p>Citing evidence collected from a radar instrument aboard the European Space Agency Mars Express orbiter, a team of scientists from Italy suggested that the possibility of subsurface lakes below the ice caps at Mars’ south pole.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As per NASA, the radar signals change when they are reflected off different materials.</p>

<p>After researchers from Italy’s Istituto Nazionale di Astrofisica published the paper on lake, about 80 Martian polar scientists met for an international conference in Ushuaia.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/china-completes-historic-mars-spacecraft-landing-385148"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;China completes historic Mars spacecraft landing&nbsp;</strong></a></p>

<p>There were lots of talks about the subsurface lakes. They also discussed the possibility of brine lowering the freezing point of the water enough to keep it liquid.</p>

<p>Jeffrey Plaut of Nasa’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory and Aditya Khuller, a doctoral student, analyzed 44,000 radar echoes across 15 years of MARSIS data.</p>

<p>They also turned up dozens more bright reflections similar to the 2018 study.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Many of those close signals in areas close to the surface were found, where it should be too cold for water to remain liquid.</p>


As per a trio of new studies, the evidence of ‘subsurface lakes’ deep below the ice cap at Mars’ south pole could be due to clay. Citing evidence collected from a radar instrument aboard the European Space Agency Mars Express orbiter, a team of scientists from Italy suggested that the possibility of subsurface lakes below the ice caps at Mars’ south pole.

As per a trio of new studies, the evidence of ‘subsurface lakes’ deep below the ice cap at Mars’ south pole could be due to clay. Citing evidence collected from a radar instrument aboard the European Space Agency Mars Express orbiter, a team of scientists from Italy suggested that the possibility of subsurface lakes below the ice caps at Mars’ south pole. As per NASA, the radar signals change when they are reflected off different materials. After researchers from Italy’s Istituto Nazionale di Astrofisica published the paper on lake, about 80 Martian polar scientists met for an international conference in Ushuaia. Also read | China completes historic Mars spacecraft landing There were lots of talks about the subsurface lakes. They also discussed the possibility of brine lowering the freezing point of the water enough to keep it liquid. Jeffrey Plaut of Nasa’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory and Aditya Khuller, a doctoral student, analyzed 44,000 radar echoes across 15 years of MARSIS data. They also turned up dozens more bright reflections similar to the 2018 study. Many of those close signals in areas close to the surface were found, where it should be too cold for water to remain liquid.

Clays can be a source of Mars 'lakes', here is all you need to know

<p class="MsoNormal">Aquarium owners have been urged to not abandon their pet goldfish into the open waters in Minnesota.</p>

<p class="MsoNormal">“A few goldfish might seem to some like a harmless addition to the local water body – but they’re not,” the Minnesota department of natural resources&nbsp;advised.</p>

<p class="MsoNormal">The warning has come after officials observed small-sized goldfishes growing into a monstrously bigger size, which is very unusual and raises concern for the species.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">That’s where I found this one a couple years ago. <a href="https://t.co/hAfCGuMHCn">pic.twitter.com/hAfCGuMHCn</a></p>
— Josh Holt (@jholt52579) <a href="https://twitter.com/jholt52579/status/1413517420199882752?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 9, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p>"Please don’t release your pet goldfish into ponds and lakes!"&nbsp;the city&nbsp;tweeted&nbsp;on Friday. "They grow bigger than you think and contribute to poor water quality by mucking up the bottom sediments and uprooting plants."</p>

<p class="MsoNormal">Scientists have revealed that goldfish can survive in low levels of oxygen even during the Minnesota winter and reproduce very easily. However, as the species is understudied, there are higher chances of it negatively affecting the water quality of lakes.</p>

<p class="MsoNormal">This announcement came after a group of goldfish was found in Lake Keller.</p>

<p class="MsoNormal">While authorities are worried about this growing trend, Twitter users decided to have their share of fun with this alert.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">My favorite Dr. Seuss book came true!! <a href="https://t.co/H2mOPIY1vo">https://t.co/H2mOPIY1vo</a> <a href="https://t.co/oz2DKSFblW">pic.twitter.com/oz2DKSFblW</a></p>
— AlcovyEcon (@AlcovyE) <a href="https://twitter.com/AlcovyE/status/1414729334959575040?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 12, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">If they’d let it get to leve 20 it would be a Gyarados <a href="https://t.co/BGObo2FjSj">https://t.co/BGObo2FjSj</a></p>
— Nilo Cobau (@nilocobau) <a href="https://twitter.com/nilocobau/status/1414755481411743766?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 13, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">this is a Magikarp <a href="https://t.co/5wpVwJe9pY">https://t.co/5wpVwJe9pY</a></p>
— v.o. (@vanillaopinions) <a href="https://twitter.com/vanillaopinions/status/1414663010216517638?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 12, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">my large teenage sons <a href="https://t.co/tbZhMLgKNV">https://t.co/tbZhMLgKNV</a></p>
— John Cullen (@cullenthecomic) <a href="https://twitter.com/cullenthecomic/status/1414480329490923520?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 12, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">why are we body shaming fish <a href="https://t.co/yaslh1oupi">https://t.co/yaslh1oupi</a></p>
— one (@JUARANTINE) <a href="https://twitter.com/JUARANTINE/status/1414313574428721152?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 11, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>


Aquarium owners have been urged to not abandon their pet goldfish into the open waters in Minnesota. “A few goldfish might seem to some like a harmless addition to the local water body – but they’re not,” the Minnesota department of natural resources advised.

Aquarium owners have been urged to not abandon their pet goldfish into the open waters in Minnesota. “A few goldfish might seem to some like a harmless addition to the local water body – but they’re not,” the Minnesota department of natural resources advised. The warning has come after officials observed small-sized goldfishes growing into a monstrously bigger size, which is very unusual and raises concern for the species. That’s where I found this one a couple years ago. pic.twitter.com/hAfCGuMHCn — Josh Holt (@jholt52579) July 9, 2021 × "Please don’t release your pet goldfish into ponds and lakes!" the city tweeted on Friday. "They grow bigger than you think and contribute to poor water quality by mucking up the bottom sediments and uprooting plants." Scientists have revealed that goldfish can survive in low levels of oxygen even during the Minnesota winter and reproduce very easily. However, as the species is understudied, there are higher chances of it negatively affecting the water quality of lakes. This announcement came after a group of goldfish was found in Lake Keller. While authorities are worried about this growing trend, Twitter users decided to have their share of fun with this alert. My favorite Dr. Seuss book came true!! https://t.co/H2mOPIY1vo pic.twitter.com/oz2DKSFblW — AlcovyEcon (@AlcovyE) July 12, 2021 × If they’d let it get to leve 20 it would be a Gyarados https://t.co/BGObo2FjSj — Nilo Cobau (@nilocobau) July 13, 2021 × this is a Magikarp https://t.co/5wpVwJe9pY — v.o. (@vanillaopinions) July 12, 2021 × my large teenage sons https://t.co/tbZhMLgKNV — John Cullen (@cullenthecomic) July 12, 2021 × why are we body shaming fish https://t.co/yaslh1oupi — one (@JUARANTINE) July 11, 2021 ×

Miniature to monstrous: Goldfish abandoned in lakes grow bigger in size

Every night Tim Robinson sleeps in his boat, which floats atop a blanket of foul-smelling bright green slime.<br />
<br />
For houseboat dwellers like Robinson, the toxic algae bloom spreading through Florida&#39;s Lake Okeechobee, the nations second-largest freshwater lake, &nbsp;is more than just unpleasant.&nbsp;Its alarming.<br />
<br />
&quot;We dont know if we should be breathing this,&quot; the 53-year-old Stuart resident told AFP. &quot;I sleep on top of it every night.&quot;<br />
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Robinsons two teenage boys havent stayed with their father in two weeks for fear of the algaes effects. &quot;Its so depressing,&quot; he said.<br />
&quot;Everything we do is in the water and on the water.&quot;<br />
<br />
Stuart, a town on East Floridas Treasure Coast, is about 175 kilometres (110 miles) North of Miami. It&#39;s often cited as one of Americas best small tourist towns, particularly for its tropical climate and proximity to the St Lucie River.<br />
<br />
The turquoise canals, streams and lakes that zigzag among Stuarts islands make this small town a nirvana for beachcombers and water sport lovers.<br />
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But the thick layer of slimy blue-green algae,also called cyanobacteria, coating the water and smelling of sewage has dampened the towns appeal.<br />
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Robinsons leathery, weathered skin glistens with sweat as he cleans the driveway of one of the areas many marina hotels. &quot;I&#39;ve got to do something to get extra money,&quot; he said, to offset the plunge in boat rentals that are his main source of income.<br />
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The putrid algal blooms, which appear mornings and evenings with the rising tide, are toxic and can cause rashes and respiratory problems.<br />
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&quot;The economic consequences are grave and ongoing,&quot; said Sarah Heard, the commissioner of Martin County, the district that includes Stuart.<br />
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This past weekend several beaches in the county closed during the Fourth of July celebrations.<br />
<br />
The bacterias proliferation has already started hurting businesses that rent kayaks, paddles and water skis, though its still too early to have hard figures.<br />
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&quot;Marine-dependent businesses have failed, and more will collapse in this emergency,&quot; said the commissioner.<br />
<br />
US Senator Marco Rubio announced Wednesday that impacted small businesses will be eligible for disaster loan assistance until November 17 of this year.<br />
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&quot;I have seen firsthand how this algae crisis has affected far too many people and their livelihoods,&quot; Rubio said in his statement.<br />
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Last week the state&#39;s governor, Rick Scott, declared a state of emergency in the counties of St Lucie, Palm Beach and Martin in East Florida, and Lee on the states west coast, all counties with waterways that take excess drainwater from the central Lake Okeechobee.<br />
<br />
Much of the problem in area rivers stems from the fact that the lakes aging dike is too weak to manage high lake water levels.<br />
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During the rainy summer season authorities must therefore pump water out of the lake into nearby rivers, ensuring that the algae will spread, as it has been doing since mid-May.<br />
<br />
Scott has also urged President Barack Obama to declare a federal emergency over the spread of the algae blooms, blaming federal authorities for the condition of the dike.<br />
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According to studies by the states Department of Environmental Protection, some affected areas have 38 times the maximum limit of cyanobacteria accepted by the World Health Organization, 10 micrograms per litre.<br />
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The organism occurs naturally, but its growth is exacerbated by an influx of nutrients like phosphorus and nitrogen, commonly found in agricultural fertilizers.<br />
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&quot;When you supply phosphorus and nitrogen, algae grows and reproduces exponentially, causing a bloom,&quot; said Henry Briceno, a geologist at Florida International University.<br />
<br />
Briceno told AFP that the fertilizer used in the area for farming, gardens and golf courses are to blame for an excess of phosphorus in the lake.<br />
<br />
The toxic bacteria outbreak poses threats to human health and the area&#39;s economy, but for aquatic life, cyanobacteria can prove fatal.<br />
<br />
The thick sludge suffocates seagrasses by blocking sunlight from penetrating the water.<br />
<br />
Algae also kills sponges, oysters and other sea creatures integral to water filtration.<br />
<br />
&quot;There comes a time when the water can no longer sustain life,&quot; said Briceno.<br />
<br />
(AFP)

Once a paradise for beachcombers and water sports lovers, Florida's lakes succumb to algae

Every night Tim Robinson sleeps in his boat, which floats atop a blanket of foul-smelling bright green slime. For houseboat dwellers like Robinson, the toxic algae bloom spreading through Florida's Lake Okeechobee, the nations second-largest freshwater lake, is more than just unpleasant. Its alarming. "We dont know if we should be breathing this," the 53-year-old Stuart resident told AFP. "I sleep on top of it every night." Robinsons two teenage boys havent stayed with their father in two weeks for fear of the algaes effects. "Its so depressing," he said. "Everything we do is in the water and on the water." Stuart, a town on East Floridas Treasure Coast, is about 175 kilometres (110 miles) North of Miami. It's often cited as one of Americas best small tourist towns, particularly for its tropical climate and proximity to the St Lucie River. The turquoise canals, streams and lakes that zigzag among Stuarts islands make this small town a nirvana for beachcombers and water sport lovers. But the thick layer of slimy blue-green algae,also called cyanobacteria, coating the water and smelling of sewage has dampened the towns appeal. Robinsons leathery, weathered skin glistens with sweat as he cleans the driveway of one of the areas many marina hotels. "I've got to do something to get extra money," he said, to offset the plunge in boat rentals that are his main source of income. The putrid algal blooms, which appear mornings and evenings with the rising tide, are toxic and can cause rashes and respiratory problems. "The economic consequences are grave and ongoing," said Sarah Heard, the commissioner of Martin County, the district that includes Stuart. This past weekend several beaches in the county closed during the Fourth of July celebrations. The bacterias proliferation has already started hurting businesses that rent kayaks, paddles and water skis, though its still too early to have hard figures. "Marine-dependent businesses have failed, and more will collapse in this emergency," said the commissioner. US Senator Marco Rubio announced Wednesday that impacted small businesses will be eligible for disaster loan assistance until November 17 of this year. "I have seen firsthand how this algae crisis has affected far too many people and their livelihoods," Rubio said in his statement. Last week the state's governor, Rick Scott, declared a state of emergency in the counties of St Lucie, Palm Beach and Martin in East Florida, and Lee on the states west coast, all counties with waterways that take excess drainwater from the central Lake Okeechobee. Much of the problem in area rivers stems from the fact that the lakes aging dike is too weak to manage high lake water levels. During the rainy summer season authorities must therefore pump water out of the lake into nearby rivers, ensuring that the algae will spread, as it has been doing since mid-May. Scott has also urged President Barack Obama to declare a federal emergency over the spread of the algae blooms, blaming federal authorities for the condition of the dike. According to studies by the states Department of Environmental Protection, some affected areas have 38 times the maximum limit of cyanobacteria accepted by the World Health Organization, 10 micrograms per litre. The organism occurs naturally, but its growth is exacerbated by an influx of nutrients like phosphorus and nitrogen, commonly found in agricultural fertilizers. "When you supply phosphorus and nitrogen, algae grows and reproduces exponentially, causing a bloom," said Henry Briceno, a geologist at Florida International University. Briceno told AFP that the fertilizer used in the area for farming, gardens and golf courses are to blame for an excess of phosphorus in the lake. The toxic bacteria outbreak poses threats to human health and the area's economy, but for aquatic life, cyanobacteria can prove fatal. The thick sludge suffocates seagrasses by blocking sunlight from penetrating the water. Algae also kills sponges, oysters and other sea creatures integral to water filtration. "There comes a time when the water can no longer sustain life," said Briceno. (AFP)

Florida's putrid algae bloom afflicts economy, sea life

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