Question

What happens if you drink blue-green algae?

Answer 1

Cyanobacteria:

1. It is also called blue-green algae.
2. The presence of the pigments phycocyanin and allophycocyanin contributes to the blue colour of blue-green algae.
3. The presence of chlorophyll pigment causes the green colour.
4. They are similar to eukaryotic algae in many aspects, including morphological traits and ecological needs, and were previously classified as algae, hence the common name blue-green algae.
5. They form blooms in polluted water bodies

It is harmful to drink blue-green algae:

1. Water contaminated by algae may be unsafe for drinking, leisure, or agricultural usage.
2. Skin irritation, moderate respiratory impacts, and hayfever-like symptoms can result from contact with contaminated water.
3. Toxins can produce gastroenteritis symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhoea, fever, and headaches.