Bacteria in Ohio Waterways Many harmful bacteria due to pollution have been found recently in Ohio waterways. It is possible to develop skin infections, ear infections, eye infections, diarrhea, and respiratory infections from contaminated lake water. Toxic fecal coliform bacteria and even traces of E. coli have been reported in central Ohio lakes. The main cause of high levels of bacteria in Ohio waterways is a high concentration of sewage and heavy metals in the water, which contaminate it. Also, the algae toxin microcystin has been found in lakes. Water samples taken showed that fecal coliform levels were too high in Buckeye Lake and therefore the lake was unsafe for swimming in. Some people have also gotten sick from accidentally ingesting these contaminated waters. Sewage treatment is the single most important strategy for preventing waterborne microbial pollution. Adding chemical tablets containing iodine, boiling the water, and filtering it are all effective in killing harmful bacteria in water. Human interaction can jeopardize the natural bacteria levels in water sources, causing more harmful bacteria to result. Some people have even gotten extremely sick from ingesting harmful bacteria from rivers, lakes, and streams in Ohio. Bacterias such as Crytosporiduim, E. Coli, Giardia, and Hepatitis A have all been found in waters, infecting them, and potentially making people sick. Some diseases that are normally found in places without sewage treatment have popped up in Ohio waters due to extreme pollution.
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