The Basics of Cyanobacteria

What are cyanobacteria?  

Cyanobacteria, there are thousands of varieties, are naturally occurring, typically dormant microscopic organisms found in lakes, streams, ponds and waterways in New Hampshire, the US and around the world.  They are also found in extreme environments including hot springs and glacial ice.  Historically, low numbers of cyanobacteria have been found in New Hampshire, however the number of blooms are on the rise in NH and around the world.  In a July 2021 article, Algal blooms an emerging threat to clear lakes worldwide, the National Science Foundation reports on the widespread nature of the problem and to some of the possible causes.

Cyanobacteria, when present at low density cause no recreational or aesthetic problems. The varieties found in Spofford Lake in September 2020 were confirmed by Green Water Labs in Florida as Stigonema, Scytonema, and Tolypothrix, which are less toxic than the previously suspected Lyngbya wollei.  

What do cyanobacteria and their blooms look like?

The particular variety of cyanobacteria found at Spofford Lake in the summer 2020 exhibited on the shoreline as black or dark grey mats, which are believed to have come from the bottom of the Lake or as dispersed floating cells, most readily visible at beach areas, though they also appear naturally in open waters.

More commonly, cyanobacteria are known as blue-green algae and are photosynthetic bacteria.  When growth conditions are optimal, high concentrations of cyanobacteria cells may form “blooms.” There is no official definition of a bloom in terms of cell density, but a key aspect is dominance of a single type of cyanobacteria.  

Blooms sometimes appear as green or blue-green flecks scattered in the water, scums that float on the surface, or mats that rest on the bottom, but can occur anywhere in the water column. Blooms that produce dangerous concentrations of cyanotoxins are known as harmful algae blooms (HABs), cyanoHABs, or harmful cyanobacteria blooms (HCBs) and can be dangerous to humans and their pets and wildlife. 

If cyanobacteria are naturally present, what causes them to bloom and how long do they last?  A number of factors create conditions for blooming and the creation of mats: 1) nutrient rich environment, 2) elevated water temperature, 3) abundant sunlight, and 4) calm or stagnant water conditions.  Once the blooms occur, wind and water movement carry the bloom to shore where they can accumulate.  A bloom can last anywhere from a few days to a few months.

What adverse health effects might the cyanobacteria cause?

The most common effects are dermal itching and skin rashes.  If ingested by humans vomiting and diarrhea may occur.  There are numerous instances where dogs (and presumably other animals) have died after ingesting contaminated water. 

Should I take any precautions in cleaning my boats, other watercraft, and docks?
It is recommended that you clean your boat and other water craft as you would for invasive species, like milfoil.  Do so away from the Lake so that any bacteria or other pests do not re-enter the water.

If the bloom is on my beach, how should I dispose of it?
As contact with cyanobacteria may cause dermal irritation, wear protective clothing and bury it in a manner so that dogs and small children will not come in contact with it.