Algae more present than ever in our lakes, according to a study

Algae have never proliferated so much in the lakes in the country and it is the climate change that explains the explosion of their presence, according to a recent study by a group of researchers, notably from Laval University. This proliferation is not done without consequences.

After the analysis of sediment from 80 lakes in the country, the researchers note a significant increase in the concentration of algae in water bodies. Their results were published in the journal Communications Earth & Environment (new window).

What we have seen is that, in the vast majority of lakes, there was an increase in the concentration of algaementions Dermot Antoniades, one of the co -authors of the study and professor of geography at Laval University.

Since 1960, the presence of algae has literally exploded. It has increased seven times faster than before this date, notes Dermot Antoniades.

The changes we have observed were present in the lakes that have been strongly affected by human activities, but also in lakes in distant regions, which surprised us a bitsays the professor.

The presence of algae, including blue-green algae or cyanobacteria, can also have heavy repercussions on health or on water bodies.

It can harm fish, it can harm swimming or fishing. It can affect the use of water for drinking water. There are possible effects that also have associated costssays Mr. Antoniades.

Climate change in question

The climate change and the resulting temperature increases are the main causes of the increase in algae in Canadian lakes, according to the researchers.

We did statistical analyzes to see what was responsible for changes and the conclusion was that the trends were in parallel with temperature increasesmentions Dermot Antoniades.

The most important climate factor was the temperaturehe adds, while specifying that solar influence and regional planning also have a share of responsibility.

It is important to act to control, at the very least, the presence of these algae and ensure that those which are necessary keep their right place.

Algae is very important because they are at the bottom of the food chain. Fish, plankton, all the life that is present in the lakes depend on algae for their survival, for foodindicates Dermot Antoniades.

A concerted action is then required, it can no longer be done only at the local level, warn the signatories of the study.

It is sure that we encourage climate action, it is not something that can be done on its own. In cities, in provinces, in countries and all over the world, [il faut réduire] our carbon effects in the atmosphere and reduce the rate of temperature increasesupports the professor.