Apr 04, 2008 — See Thaindian News (India)
It has been described as the "cockroach of lakes," and it is spreading so fast that it is adversely affecting not only marine life, but humans as well. According to a new UNC study, algae -- the green scum seen creeping across the surface of water bodies across the globe -- has been linked with digestive, neurological, skin and liver disease in humans. Now it threatens the health and livelihood of people who depend on infested waters for drinking water or income from fishing and recreational use, said the study, published in the latest issue of the journal Science. According to UNC marine sciences professor Hans Paerl, co-author of the study, the problem is only likely to get worse: global warming has created longer growing seasons, enabling algae to grow in northern waters once too cold for their survival.
