The central highland resort town of Da Lat removed potentially toxic algae blooms in its famed Xuan Huong Lake on Monday. Local experts say the algae may be linked to pollution in the lake.
The state-owned Lam Dong Water Supply and Sewage Company cooperated with Da Lat Urban Works Management Company to remove the blue-green algae (Microcystisaeruginosa) growing in Xuan Huong, located in the center of the picturesque city.
Water collected with the algae blooms was transported via tanker to Lam Dong’s Waste Water Treatment factory.
However, this is only a temporary solution to pollution in the lake, which was recognized as a national tourism site in 1988, said the Da Lat People’s Committee vice chairman Tran Tuong.
Related agencies had been draining water from the lake for the previous week-and-a-half, but the algae persisted.
Water samples are currently undergoing pollution tests, reported Ho Chi Minh City daily Sai Gon Giai Phong.
Da Lat authorities have asked the Lam Dong Province Department of Natural Resources and Environment to take more water samples and inspect businesses and households nearby that allegedly dump waste into the lake, the newspaper said.
Xuan Huong Lake suffered two algae blooms in April and several others since 2000.
Microcystis aeruginosa thrives when there are sudden changes in a body of water’s make up. In small amounts, the algae are harmless, but large quantities can be a health hazard to humans and animals.
