Potentially toxic microbes that pose a threat to drinking water have undergone a dramatic population explosion over the last 200 years as a result of pollution, said experts from the University of Nottingham.

Scientists discovered that populations of cyanobacteria - also known as blue-green algae - have increased in Britain's waterways since the 1800s. The algae has been linked to neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's and Lou Gehrig's disease.

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Scientists looked at more than 100 lakes, including those in the Lake District and the West Midland Meres.

The research is the first study to show that a rise in the algae's available nutrient sources -- nitrogen and phosphorus -- commonly resulting from industrial fertilizers and sewage discharge, is the biggest culprit responsible for the increase in such a large number of lakes, across such a large geographical area.

The study also found that climate change can exacerbate this problem, with water management challenges likely to increase in a future warmer world.

The study was conducted in collaboration with academics at McGill University in Canada and other collaborators.

In addition, environmental costs associated with this alga were estimated to exceed US$100 million per year in both the UK and Australia.

The analysis showed that 58 percent of lakes saw significant increase in concentration of blue-green algae pigments during the last 200 years. Scientists believe the rise is being caused by pollution from industrial sights and sewers.

The first signs of exposure to the harmful algae are skin rash or irritation, gastroenteritis and respiratory distress.

The study was published in the journal Ecology Letters.

TagsCyanobacteria Algae, algae, blue-green algae, drinking water, lake, water poison, rashes, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s disease, Lou Gehrig’s disease.