Scientists have explained the growth of dangerous algae on the coast of lake Baikal
IRKUTSK, April 13 — RIA Novosti. The reason for the large-scale distribution in the coastal waters of Baikal algae Spirogyra is exclusively anthropogenic factor, says doctor of biological Sciences, head of laboratory of biology of aquatic invertebrates of Limnological Institute of SB RAS Oleg Timoshkin.
Earlier, citing data from the center “Antistikhia” it was reported that about 60% of the coast of lake Baikal covered with Spirogyra — Alga, characteristic of warm, stagnant water, formerly in the lake is almost not seen.
“The problem is large-scale distribution of Spirogyra, indeed, is today a threat to the Baikal ecosystem. According to our records, this Alga is distributed where it is most powerfully evident anthropogenic impact. Spirogyra is a very sensitive indicator of pollution of the lake by sewage,” — said the Agency interlocutor.
According to him, Spirogyra like the flu. Multiply by microscopic spores and pieces of threads, it is able to attract the shallow waters of lake Baikal, but the scientists say that there are areas not inhabited by algae and zone where it is rapidly growing.
“The specialists of our laboratory study Spirogyra five years, and studies show that the risk of exposure to exposed areas near settlements. In pure Baikal water Spirogyra massively propagated. In this regard, a particularly difficult situation on the coast towns of Severobaikalsk, Baikal and Listvyanka village, which is visited by large number of tourists. Here, the Alga is found year-round,” adds the scientist.
There is a hypothesis that the increase of Spirogyra influenced by natural factors, the warming and low water level in recent years. However, according to the laboratory, headed by hydrobiologist Oleg Timoshkin, the temperature factor does not affect the proliferation and development of algae. In areas with unfavorable environmental situation, Spirogyra detect at greater depths where she feels comfortable at very low temperatures.
Also, the researchers were able to establish that out of 14 varieties of Spirogyra in adverse ekousloviyah massively propagated only one. This species grows on rocks, literally enveloping the bottom. The strongest growth of algae observed in places of mass stay of tourists in August and September, when the pollution concentration reaches the maximum values.
Baikal — the deepest lake in the world, its maximum depth reaches 1637 meters. The age of Baikal is about 25 million years. The lake contains more than 20% of the world reserves of fresh water. In 1996, the pond was included in the UNESCO world natural heritage site by UNESCO.