By Lois McCarthy
Copyright walesonline
Visitors to one of Cardiff’s most popular beauty spots may have noticed a dramatic change in recent days as the lake at Roath Park has turned an alarming shade of green. The park, a favourite with dog walkers, families, and runners, is currently affected by a bloom of blue-green algae, the council has confirmed.
A Cardiff Council spokesman said: “Blue-green algae is a natural inhabitant of many inland waters, estuaries, and the sea. Under certain environmental conditions such as high temperatures, low wind speeds, and low river flows, algal populations can grow rapidly.
“This excessive growth is particularly common during the hot summer months and is known as a ‘bloom’.
“With the recent cooler weather and more rain forecast the algae will dissipate naturally in due course.
“In the meantime, signage is in place around the lake advising members of the public to keep away from the water’s edge to avoid contact with the algae.”
According to the Department for Environment, Food, and Rural Affairs some blue-green algae blooms can produce toxins that pose risks to both humans and animals. While not all blooms release toxins it is impossible to tell without testing therefore caution is advised.
While no human fatalities have been recorded in the UK serious symptoms have been reported including:
Skin rashesEye irritationVomitingDiarrhoeaFeverMuscle and joint pain
Visitors to Roath Park Lake are being urged to follow the safety advice in place until the bloom clears naturally with the change in weather conditions.
For more information on blue-green algae click here.
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