Algae Bloom Threatens Balaton’s Beauty

Satellite Images Reveal Widespread Green Discoloration

Lake Balaton is experiencing a significant surge in algae, raising serious concerns about its ecosystem. Recent satellite images highlight the severity of the problem, with large areas of the lake displaying a striking green hue, signaling potential environmental issues.

Algae Levels Surge

The Sentinel-3 satellite’s observations of Lake Balaton have alarmed scientists. The presence of filamentous cyanobacteria, or blue-green algae, has increased dramatically in many areas, according to the Hun-Ren Balaton Limnology Research Institute. The situation has become so intense that the water is green, especially on the eastern shores. Wind can concentrate the algae along the coast, creating a visible problem.

The summer algae species, including filamentous cyanobacteria, have appeared with rising water temperatures, researchers noted. Surprisingly, the eastern areas, like the Siófok Basin, now match or surpass the algae levels found in the western regions.

“Their A-chlorophyll concentration is between 8 and 10 µg/l, which is still far below the WHO’s 75 µg/l health limit, but the green discoloration of the water can be striking here.”

—Quote Source

In 2020, the algae became so pervasive that dredging was necessary in the western basin.

The Hun-Ren Balaton Limnological Research Institute also noted that armored whips and nitrogen-binding cyanobacteria tend to accumulate on the surface and in stagnant spots. Consequently, substantial amounts of algae can gather on beaches and coastal areas, which the wind can rapidly disperse. Based on data from the Environmental Protection Agency, excessive algae blooms can significantly decrease oxygen levels in the water, harming aquatic life.

Last weekend, the Keszthely, Szigligeti, and Szemes basins saw a significant concentration of algae. In contrast, the Siófoki Basin exhibited algae in patches.

Further developments will be closely monitored by experts.