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Global warming could spur the growth of toxic algae and bacteria in seas around the world, with an impact that could be felt in 10 years, experts predict, writes Karin Zeitvogel.
Studies have shown that shifts brought about by climate change make ocean and freshwater environments more susceptible to toxic algae blooms and allow harmful microbes and bacteria to proliferate, according to researchers from the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).
In one study, scientists modelled future ocean and weather patterns to predict the effect on blooms of Alexandrium catenella, or the toxic 'red tide', which can accumulate in shellfish and cause severe symptoms, including paralysis, in humans who eat the contaminated seafood.
"Our projections indicate that by the end of the 21st Century, blooms may begin up to two months earlier in the year and persist for one month later compared to the present-day time period of July to October," said Stephanie Moore, one of the scientists who worked on the study.
But the impact could be felt well before the end of this century - as early as 2040, she said at the annual meeting of the American Association for the Advancement of Science.
"Changes in the harmful algal bloom season appear to be imminent," said Ms Moore.
In another study, NOAA scientists found that desert dust, which contains iron, deposited into the ocean from the atmosphere could lead to an increase of harmful bacteria in seawater.
Researchers from the University of Georgia, US, found that by adding desert dust to seawater significantly stimulated the growth of Vibrios, a group of ocean bacteria that can cause gastroenteritis and infectious diseases in humans.
"Within 24 hours of mixing weathered desert dust with seawater samples, we saw a huge growth in Vibrios, including one strain that could cause eye, ear and open wound infections, and another strain that could cause cholera," said Erin Lipp, who worked on the study.
According to NOAA administrator Janet Lubchenco, Global warming has also been blamed for rising ocean temperatures.
"A warming ocean, which we know is happening, increases the likelihood of disease that affects both wildlife and humans.
"Unhealthy oceans impact not only human and animal health but will also affect countries' economies," she added.
