Analysis of 'Algal Toxins' in Gyeonggi Province's Water Sources and Reservoirs... Exceedances Detected in 3 Reservoirs
Gyeonggi Province has found that algal toxins exceeded the standard in three locations after inspecting algal toxins in the water sources and major reservoirs within the province.
The Gyeonggi-do Institute of Health and Environment conducted a survey on algal toxins, including three types of microcystins (MC-LR, RR, YR), anatoxin-a, and cylindrospermopsin, from April to September, the period when green algae blooms occur. The survey targeted six water treatment plants (intake sources from Paldang Lake, Bukhan River, and Namhan River) and 23 major reservoirs in the province. The results showed that algal toxins were not detected in the water sources and treated water, but three reservoirs exceeded foreign standards for algal toxin levels, according to the announcement on the 19th.
The survey results indicated that no algal toxins were detected in the six water treatment plants, meeting the drinking water monitoring standard for microcystins (1 μg/L or less). Microcystins in the reservoirs were mainly detected in July and August, showing the highest concentrations during the survey period.
Among the 23 reservoirs, in August, Namyang Lake and Idong Reservoir recorded total microcystins of 24.2 μg/L (MC-LR, 7.3 μg/L) and 8.3 μg/L (MC-LR, 3.8 μg/L), respectively, and in September, Myeoku Reservoir recorded 8.4 μg/L (MC-LR, 4.0 μg/L), exceeding the U.S. EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) recreational water advisory guideline of 8 μg/L or less.
The U.S. EPA has the strictest recreational water guideline for microcystins at 8 μg/L, while Ohio state allows 20 μg/L, and the World Health Organization (WHO) sets the guideline for microcystin-LR at 24 μg/L.
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Hwang Chan-won, head of the Water Environment Research Department at the Gyeonggi-do Institute of Health and Environment, stated, "Due to recent climate change, green algae blooms have increased during the summer. Most major reservoirs have been found to be safe from algal toxins. The institute plans to continuously ensure the safety of water sources and waterfront areas going forward."
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