A new study shows that Manitoba lakes have some of the highest concentrations of blue-green algae in Canada, along with having a cancer-causing toxin.
“You and your children are at risk when you swim, jet ski, when you go boating - because you can inhale this toxin in through your noise,” said Diane Orihel, lead researcher.
The study found the toxin microcystin, which can cause liver cancer, has been detected across Canada in 246 bodies of water.
Higher concentrations are found in lakes with a low nitrogen-to-phosphorus ratio, something present in many Manitoba bodies of water.
“It's the nutrients we're running off from our fertilizers, our sewage, our lawn care products - all of it contributes,” said Gordon Goldsborough, a professor in the department of biological sciences at the University of Manitoba.
Researchers behind the study said the amount of microcystin often exceeds safe levels for swimming in a lake and also poses risks for wildlife and livestock.
Researchers said industries like tourism, sport and commercial fishing could be seriously impacted if lakes get worse.
“In Lake Winnipeg, what we’ve seen is the increase of algae blooms and the increase of the intensity over the last 10 years,” said Orihel.
She’s calling on governments to fund more research and establish a provincial lake monitoring system across Canada.
The provincial government in Manitoba said it has invested millions in lake research. It has also banned phosphates in detergents and issued restrictions on fertilizers, along with implementing a hog-barn expansion moratorium.
