Have you heard about the Red tide? This phenomenon occurs in all seas on the planet and is characterized by an exaggerated increase in some species of algae. Let's learn more about this process?
Microscopic algae occur in large quantities in all the world's seas and lakes. they dothey form part of the so-called phytoplankton, which form the basis of the aquatic food chain. Some factors, such as increased water temperature, low amounts of salts, calm seas and increased nutrients, which are often a result of inappropriate waste disposal, cause algae to increase their population quickly.
When algae overgrows, we say that a “flowering” has occurred. Generally, the increase of these living beings in the water is accompanied by the release of toxic substances (toxic blooms), which can cause the death of fish and other animals, such as aquatic mammals. Man, when drinking water or feeding on contaminated animals, can also become intoxicated.
Blooms can lead to the death of fish and other aquatic animals
In the oceans, some of these blooms are called Red tide. The algae that are present in greater amounts in this type of flowering have red or brown pigments, which end up giving this color to the water.
Among the main algae that are responsible for the red tide, those belonging to the group of dinoflagellates stand out. These single-celled algae have two flagella that are used for locomotion through twirls. Toxins released by dinoflagellates are highly toxic.
In addition to killing animals, the blooms cause a lot of economic damage, since the beaches are unsuitable for bathing, thus keeping tourists away. In addition, fish and shellfish can become contaminated, harming people who make a living from this economic activity.
Did you know what, in 2007, in the Todos os Santos Bay, there was a great red tide that killed tons of fish and shellfish? The increase in the amount of algae was probably due to the great pollution at the site.
By Ma. Vanessa dos Santos
