Lake Balaton in danger: Unusual phenomenon observed, swimming not recommended โ PHOTOS, VIDEO
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Despite an unusually cool spring, large quantities of algae have recently appeared in Hungaryโs largest lake, Balaton, surprising researchers and raising concerns about the long-term impacts of climate change and water quality.
Green waters from north to south
Visitors and weather observers began reporting greenish water at multiple locations along Lake Balatonโs shoreline over the weekend, Idลkรฉp reports. The phenomenon was especially noticeable near Balatonszepezd on the northern shore and Balatonboglรกr on the southern side. According to Idลkรฉp, even at a distance of 50 meters from the shore, the greenish hue of the water was clearly visible.
While algal blooms are not new to the Hungarian sea, what makes this episode unusual is the timing. Previous algal outbreaks typically followed extended periods of hot weather. This time, however, the bloom emerged after a particularly chilly May, without any prolonged heatwaves.
Whatโs behind the bloom?
As Telex writes, according to Dr. Gรกbor Vasas, acting director of the HUN-REN Balaton Limnological Research Institute, the sudden appearance of algae is linked to a brief spike in temperatures following the cool spring. Warm weather and increased sunlight helped trigger the early summer bloom of Dolichospermum spiroides, a type of cyanobacteria (commonly referred to as blue-green algae), which became concentrated near the shorelines due to light winds.
Routine monitoring by the institute showed that the average chlorophyll-a concentration (a measure of algal biomass) remains well below the World Health Organisationโs safe threshold of 75 ยตg/l, currently hovering between 8โ10 ยตg/l. However, local spikes occurred in shallower bays, especially in the lakeโs western basin, where conditions favoured algae growth.
Although researchers are still awaiting lab results to determine the potential risks of the current bloom, Dr. Vasas advised swimmers to be cautious. In areas where dense, green, almost creamy algae masses are present, people (especially those with sensitive skin) may experience rashes. Accidentally ingesting the water could also lead to stomach issues such as diarrhoea.