If the water looks and smells bad, it may be toxic
Date: 5.11.2010
Earthy or musty odors, along with visual evidence of blue-green algae, also known as cyanobacteria, may serve as a warning that harmful cyanotoxins are present in lakes or reservoirs. Taste-and-odor compounds were found almost every time cyanotoxins were found, indicating odor may serve as a warning that harmful toxins are present.
"It is commonly believed that there are no health risks associated with taste-and-odor compounds," said Dr. Jennifer Graham, USGS limnologist and lead scientist on this study. "While taste-and-odor compounds are not toxic, these pungent compounds were always found with cyanotoxins in the blooms sampled.
Removing or treating affected water can be both costly and time-intensive. "Exposure to these toxins has caused a range of symptoms including skin rashes, severe stomach upset, seizures, or even death," said Dr. Keith Loftin, USGS research chemist and environmental engineer.
Original Paper:
Jennifer L. Graham, Keith A. Loftin, Michael T. Meyer, Andrew C. Ziegler. Cyanotoxin Mixtures and Taste-and-Odor Compounds in Cyanobacterial Blooms from the Midwestern United States. Environmental Science & Technology, 2010; : 100910111724026 DOI: 10.1021/es1008938
Source:
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/09/100913132332.htm
