I lived in Jaibalito for over a year in 2006 and didn't swim in the lake then due to pollution and seeing how the people lived and what was flowing into the lake. Not to mention all the polution from the public taxis (lanchas). There are also hot spots where gas and sulfur are escaping from under the lake (volcanic activity) that I'm sure contributes to the growth of the algae. Living in Lake Tahoe since 2003, I can appreciate first hand all the efforts to maintain the cleanliness and clarity of this beautiful lake and can only hope the Guatemalan government takes some serious measures NOW!
Christinof NV3:57PM December 17, 2009
There has been great coverage of this problem on http://www.lakleatitlanhealth.com with lots of links to good resources and information.
Dennisof CA8:53AM December 15, 2009
This is perhaps the most beautiful lake in the world,
and that includes Como and Tahoe and Louise and
you name it. Because it's in a third world country
the area around the lake has so far has escaped
the dubious honor of "development".
I first saw it in 1949 and have never seen a more
lovely lake or setting.
johnof NM2:16AM December 09, 2009
"Dense blooms can also consume all of the oxygen in the water, leaving a dead zone where other plants and animals cannot survive."
No, they PRODUCE oxygen. The decay of the dead algae may be problematic, but the algae themselves are not consuming the oxygen.
Ya think some company that wants to make money would have figured out how to get fuel from algae blooms world wide. some sort of net between ships that is like a r o filter and only lets the oils of the algae in.
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lol of FL 9:02PM March 06, 2010
JJ of MI 2:24PM December 30, 2009
Christin of NV 3:57PM December 17, 2009
Dennis of CA 8:53AM December 15, 2009
john of NM 2:16AM December 09, 2009
Paul of NY 7:07PM December 04, 2009
seat of KY 10:21AM December 02, 2009
Henry Timzen of OR 8:12PM December 01, 2009
seat of KS 5:09PM December 01, 2009
Robert L. Matarainen of NY 11:20AM December 01, 2009