Toxic algae alert on the coasts of Puglia. The findings of the Arpa Puglia have highlighted very abundant concentrations of Ostreopsis Ovata (also called toxic algae), in particular in the waters of Torre Canne, in the municipality of Fasano (Brindisi), where an “abundant” density was found, and in two other points, in the province of Bari and in Bisceglie (Barletta-Andria-Trani), where the concentration is defined as “very abundant”. The values detected may represent a source of danger for more fragile subjects already affected by respiratory problems, with experts advising to avoid bathing and staying on the beaches in the indicated area, especially on particularly windy days and with storm surges.
What is Ostreopsis Ovata
Commonly called toxic algae, Ostreopsis Ovata belongs to the Dinoflagellate group and measures between 30 and 60 microns (1 micron = thousandth of a millimeter). It is a species that usually lives in tropical seas and prefers calm, warm and well-lit waters. But how did it get to the Italian coasts? Probably accidentally introduced into the Mediterranean through the ballast water of ships, the first reports along the Apulian coasts occurred starting from the year 2000/2001. The environmental factors that facilitate proliferation are: high temperatures, high atmospheric pressure, favorable radiation conditions, calm sea for a period of time longer than 10-15 days.
The effects on humans
A toxin (Palytoxin similar) has been identified in the species that, in addition to affecting other marine organisms, also causes unpleasant effects in humans. The symptoms of possible intoxication are pharyngitis, cough, respiratory problems, headache, nausea, cold, conjunctivitis, dermatitis, fever. The mode of exposure for the manifestation of symptoms is not ingestion, but inhalation of marine aerosol, that is, suspended aqueous microparticles containing the algae. This justifies the symptoms even in subjects who do not practice aquatic activities, for this reason the risk increases on days of wind and rough seas. Moving a few dozen meters is sufficient to eliminate or attenuate such ailments. If the ailments should persist or worsen, it is advisable to consult your doctor or go to the medical emergency unit or the nearest emergency room.
