Skip to main content

A striking algal bloom has turned the waters of Lake Salto Grande, at the border of Argentina and Uruguay, a vivid green.

This Copernicus Sentinel-2 image, captured on 1 February 2025, highlights the extent of the bloom, which has affected local wildlife, including capybaras that have been seen with algae-covered fur.

The phenomenon, linked to eutrophication, is intensified by high temperatures, stagnant water, and excessive nutrient runoff from agriculture, wastewater, and industry. The increase in cyanobacteria has made parts of the reservoir unsuitable for bathing and raised concerns about potential health risks.

Satellite image: Lake Salto Grande, Argentina (s.algal bloom)
Lake Salto Grande, Argentina. Credit: European Union, Copernicus Sentinel-2 imagery

Monitoring services like Copernicus Sentinel satellites and the Copernicus Marine Service provide critical data to track these events, supporting policies to protect ecosystems and human health. Scientists analyze indicators such as chlorophyll-a levels, oxygen concentration, and nutrient presence to assess water quality and eutrophication trends. These efforts contribute to broader environmental strategies, including the EU’s Marine Strategy Framework Directive and the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals.

Featured image credit: European Union, Copernicus Sentinel-2 imagery

Heavy rains kill 5, leave 8 missing in northern China: state media
Illustration 3d letter blocks forming the word news
Heavy rains kill 5, leave 8 missing in northern China: state mediaNews

Heavy rains kill 5, leave 8 missing in northern China: state media

Beijing, China (AFP) - Torrential rains have killed five people and left eight missing in northern China's Shaanxi province, state media reported Friday. Heavy rain…
SourceSourceJuly 19, 2024 Full article
Image of the day: Earthquake devastation in Myanmar
Satellite Image: Earthquake devastation in Myanmar
Image of the day: Earthquake devastation in MyanmarNews

Image of the day: Earthquake devastation in Myanmar

A powerful 7.7 magnitude earthquake struck Myanmar on 28 March 2025, causing widespread destruction across the country. The earthquake’s epicenter was near Mandalay, Myanmar’s second-largest…
Muser NewsDeskMuser NewsDeskMarch 31, 2025 Full article
2024 confirmed as the hottest year on record, says UN weather agency
Banner
2024 confirmed as the hottest year on record, says UN weather agencyNews

2024 confirmed as the hottest year on record, says UN weather agency

The past ten years, the hottest on recordOcean warming plays a critical roleImplications for the Paris AgreementState of the Global Climate 2024 (video) The World…
Muser NewsDeskMuser NewsDeskJanuary 10, 2025 Full article