The Junta de Andalucía assures that the water off Costa Tropical beaches is "apt for bathing." Not everybody is convinced.

The Regional Government claims that they are continually studying water samples from beaches along our coastline on a weekly basis. It is fruit of their latest sample, taken and analysed, that they say that the water is good for bathing in, despite the green streaks on the surface

However, the Aula del Mar, which belongs to the University of Granada, says that the green substances seen floating off the beaches of Almuñécar, Salobreña, Motril or Torrenueva are caused by an excess of nutrients which stimulate the growth of marine plant life and algae.

Professor Pedro Sánchez (no relation to the PM) who heads the botanical department at the university and the Aula del Mar, explained that the eutrophication is caused mainly by discharges from ramblas or untreated sewage water.

Now, if you’re like me and will have to look up eutrophication, you’ll find that it is “the process by which an entire body of water, or parts of it, becomes progressively enriched with minerals and nutrients, particularly nitrogen and phosphorus.”

The Environmental Department of the Guardia Civil (Seprona) are still investigating again, which they have done each year over the last five, since these appearances began.

Lastly, although it is not toxic, reassures the professor, in some cases it can cause dermatological problems such as a skin rash.

(News: Costa Tropical, Granada, Andalucia)