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MONTREAL – At a time when blue-green algae is choking lakes in many parts of Canada, 1,500 experts from 61 countries are meeting in Montreal this week to discuss the problems confronting the world’s fresh water.
The blue-green algae found in our waterways are microscopic organisms that, in the right conditions, can proliferate and form a bloom, emitting toxins that are a potential health hazard for humans and animals.
The Quebec provincial health and social services department has 107 lakes and rivers on a watch list of bodies of water affected by blue-green algae. It has also been found in lakes in Ontario and Manitoba.
Blue-green algae is a problem around the world, says David Bird, a biology professor at Université du Québec à Montréal. “The risk is real; blue-green algae has caused illness and death, so you cannot ignore this,” Mr. Bird said at a pre-convention meeting yesterday.