subject: Global warming may add to water-borne diseases [print this page] Global warming may add to water-borne diseases
According to the Saturday release by the researchers from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the serious impact of climate change is going to be felt within next 10 years, through the spurring growth of toxic algae and the rapid reproduction of harmful microbes and bacteria in freshwater and ocean environments.
Reasons behind it
Scientists of the University of Georgia declared that the increase of harmful microbes like Vibrios, (the group of ocean bacteria causing gastroenteritis and infections), is a result of deposition of iron-containing desert dust into the seawater. The quantity of desert dust precipitation in the water has increased considerably, over the last 30 years. Even some parts of the world are suffering from the lack of rain. All these are due to the random climate change, say researchers. Erin Lipp, another scientist who worked on the study said, "Within 24 hours of mixing weathered desert dust from Morocco with seawater samples, we saw a huge growth in Vibrios, including one strain that could cause eye, ear and open wound infections, and another strain that could cause cholera."
Vast impact
The study by NOAA scientists was conducted to investigate about the future weather as well as ocean patterns, in order to determine the effect on development of the toxic "red tide," or Alexandrium catenella. This type of algae, present in shellfish, can cause severe harms including paralysis. Stephanie Moore, one of the scientists involved in the study said, "Our projections indicate that by the end of the 21st century, blooms may begin up to two months earlier in the year and persist for one month later compared to the present-day time period of July to October." "Changes in the harmful algal bloom season appear to be imminent. We expect a significant increase in Puget Sound (off the coast of Washington state where the study was conducted) and similar at-risk environments within 30 years, possibly by the next decade," added Moore.
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