What effect do microcystis have on plants and animals?

The ingestion of microcystis- infected waters can be harmful to the health of many different species. Humans swimming in waters with high levels of microcystis have experienced such things as skin burns and rashes and blistering of the mouth. Inhalation or ingestion can also cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fever, and pneumonia. In severe cases, humans and other animals have experienced liver malfunctions and even failure as well as the promotion of tumors. While no human deaths have been reported due to exposure, other animals have died.

The most common source of exposure to humans is drinking water. Unfortunately, many water treatment plants are unable to completely remove the microcystis that forms in their reservoirs and clog their waterways. Children are often exposed when playing in contaminated waters and unintentionally swallowing the water. While microcystis only remain in the bodies of edible fish for a short period of time, those who frequently consume sport fish are at higher risks of exposure.

Ultimately, microcystis pollutes the aquatic system, lessens the quality of drinking water, and decreases the oxygen levels of water, putting aquatic animals at a higher risk of death. When the colonies die and sink to the bottom, they also make the surrounding water foul smelling and bad tasting. In order to avoid exposure, people should stay out of waters containing blooms and only drink treated water.