![]() ![]() This program trains volunteers around the nation to gather water samples and identify potentially harmful types of phytoplankton (one-celled organisms) in coastal waters. These toxins can kill wild animals, livestock and pets. The Phytoplankton Monitoring Network is another initiative that is making a difference. Cyanobacteria or ‘blue-green algae’, a type of blooming algae, can produce toxins. A computer analyzes the image to identify the algal cell, counts any HAB cells, and sends a message to a public health manager when the numbers of HAB cells exceed a threshold. As the water stream passes a laser, a picture is taken of any cells that contain the algal pigment, chlorophyll. A growing body of research shows that elevated nitrogen levels influence the mix of cyanobacteria species in blooms and make them more toxic, Sterner says. Not all algae are toxic, and even known toxin-producing species may not produce detectable levels of toxins in every bloom. ![]() Every 20 minutes, this device sips the water. During blooms, cyanobacteria produce toxins, such as microcystins, in amounts that can kill wildlife and pets and can even cause illness or death in humans. The bloom usually hits Floridas Gulf Coast in the summer, but this year it has come during spring, a time when thousands of American families flock to the Sunshine State during school break, and. For example, NOAA is funding the development of a network of automated submersible microscopes called “ Imaging Flow Cytobots” for monitoring and early warning of HABs. ‘Toxic algae’ and ‘harmful algal bloom’ (HAB) are colloquial terms for cyanobacteria, a naturally occurring organism which can cause serious human and animal health effects when outbreaks occur in drinking water supplies and swimming areas. Drinking, accidentally swallowing or swimming in water affected by a harmful algal bloom can cause serious health problems including: Rashes Stomach or liver illness Respiratory problems Neurological effects Nitrates in drinking water Nitrate, a compound found in fertilizer, can enter drinking water in agricultural areas. Not all algal blooms are harmful however, when there is fast growth of algae and cyanobacteria that can harm people, animals and the environment, they are referred to as harmful. Estimated lost income of tribal commercial harvesters from the 2015 closure of Pacific Northwest Quinault tribal fisheries due to HABsĪnother technique now in development involves the use of underwater sensors on buoys or attached to unmanned underwater vehicles. Algal blooms occur when there are overgrowths of algae, including green, brown, or red microalgae, or cyanobacteria that are commonly referred to as blue-green algae. ![]()
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