The BlueGreenTest® cyanobacteria test identifies the toxic content of blue-green algae

In Finland, blue-green algae grows both in the sea and in inland waters. When blue-green algae dies, the poison it contains is released and can remain in the water for many days. The poison cannot be detected with the naked eye, but nevertheless it can be exposed to it. The Salofa BlueGreenTest® test reveals the poisonous content of water easily and quickly. It provides security for people at cottages, dog owners, and families with children – everyone who spends time near water.

Can you recognize toxic blue-green algae?

Blue-green algae can be identified by green particles, which often appear as large mats on the shores of bodies of water. Unlike other algae species, blue-green algae decomposes when it’s lifted. However, it is not possible to detect with an eye or stick whether a toxin has been produced by the blue-green algae in the water. In reality, water that seems clean can be very toxic.

Symptoms produced by the most common blue-green algae toxins, microcystin and nodularin, include rash, headache, nausea, throat and ear irritation, eye symptoms, and stomach and intestinal symptoms. They can be avoided with the Salofa cyanobacteria test, which detects the toxicity content of water in 15 minutes.

Two lines indicate toxicity, one indicates no toxicity

Testing is easy. It is sufficient to put a teaspoon of sample water into the sampling jar, the chemical reaction heats the water. Then use a pipette to remove water from the sampling jar and put it in the hole on the test cartridge. The test result can be read after five minutes. If one line appears in the test cartridge, the water is non-toxic, if two, the water is toxic.

It is possible to be exposed to toxins in unexpected places. For example, if you raise water from a well near the waterline of a lake or the sea, cyanobacteria may enter the well water through cracks in the rocks.

Salofa’s BlueGreenTest® cyanobacteria test was developed by the University of Turku and VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland and has been available to consumers since 2017. It is advisable to always test the toxicity content of water before going swimming, letting a child or dog into the water, or using the water in the sauna. The cyanobacterial test is a cheap price to pay to avoid exposure to blue-green algae toxins