Toxic algae blooms are contaminating South African water, Algae are microscopic organisms that live in aquatic environments and use sunlight for energy, just like plants. However, when certain types of algae grow excessively, they create harmful algal blooms (HABs) that can be toxic.
The combination of climate change, pollution, and aging infrastructure is having a severe impact on South Africa’s waterways, leading to a water quality crisis that needs immediate attention.
The State of South Africa’s Water
South Africa has some of the highest recorded levels of blue-green algae contamination globally. A Carte Blanche report found that about two-thirds of the national water supply is contaminated, affecting many recreational dams. The country’s ongoing drought worsens the problem, as low water levels create ideal conditions for blue-green algae to flourish.
Along the coastline, there have been multiple reports of “red tides”-another type of algal bloom-in areas like Algoa Bay (Gqeberha), Plettenberg Bay, and Knysna.
What is a “Red Tide”?
Red tide is the common name for an algal bloom caused by large clusters of aquatic microorganisms. These blooms can be harmful to fish and birds when a specific red alga, Karenia brevis, stains the water red and secretes a substance called breve toxin.
What is Blue-Green Algae?
Also known as cyanobacteria, these microorganisms exist in nearly every environment, from oceans and freshwater to rocks and soil. While there are many types, the most common and concerning ones produce toxins that attack the liver, nerves, and skin.
People and animals can be exposed to these cyanotoxins by consuming seafood from contaminated water. Some studies even suggest that these toxins could be absorbed by agricultural crops irrigated with water affected by cyanobacterial blooms.
How to Spot a Potential Algal Bloom
Be aware of these warning signs in bodies of water:
- Discoloration: The water may appear bright green, blue-green, brown, or red.
- Smell: A foul odor, similar to sewage.
- Scum: Foam or scum floating on the water’s surface.
Symptoms of Toxin Exposure
Exposure to these toxins can cause serious health issues, including:
- Difficulty breathing
- Nausea, vomiting, and/or diarrhea
- Skin and throat irritation
- Organ failure (heart, liver, kidneys)
- Links to motor neuron disease and male reproductive system dysfunction
Finding a Solution
Harmful algal blooms increase the costs of treating drinking water and damage industries that rely on clean water sources. In some municipalities, both sewage treatment plants and water purification plants are failing. One high-profile incident occurred in the Vaal River catchment system, where failing sewerage infrastructure discharged wastewater onto roads.
At MEB Energy, we offer innovative and cost-effective solutions for desalination and wastewater treatment. We use real-time water monitoring and advanced prediction models to create robust and reliable treatment designs. Our systems are built to efficiently reduce the nitrogen and phosphorus that fuel algal blooms, thereby decreasing nutrient levels in the water
If you have a question about our portfolio of products, we are here to help.
