FORT MYERS, Fla. – Poisonous blue-green algae, often known as cyanobacteria, is again in Florida waters, and scientists say the hazard extends past what you’ll be able to see.
What we all know:
It could actually sicken folks and kill pets, particularly when the algae launch airborne toxins. However, researchers at Florida Gulf Coast College (FGCU) say we’ve made main progress in understanding the way it works — and learn how to gradual it down.
RELATED: Florida restores the Kissimmee River — and nature got here roaring again
FGCU marine science professor Dr. Mike Parsons found airborne toxins from algae blooms throughout Florida’s large 2018 outbreak.
“We mainly detected it all over the place we’ve regarded,” he stated.
Since then, Parsons says the airborne ranges have dropped, doubtless as a result of fewer large blooms in recent times. However, the potential for main outbreaks stays.
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The backstory:
In 2018, Florida skilled one of many worst poisonous algae blooms in its historical past, turning rivers and lakes vibrant inexperienced and releasing toxins dangerous to each people and wildlife.
Since then, researchers like Dr. Parsons and ecology professor Dr. Barry Rosen have been testing the air, water and blood samples from close by residents to raised perceive the well being impacts.
They’ve additionally made discoveries about how these algae develop, survive and regenerate colonies.
Why you must care:
Cyanobacteria blooms can poison water and air. Runoff from fertilizers and leaking septic tanks fuels these blooms — and plenty of Floridians dwell close to susceptible waters.
MORE: Poisonous algae in Florida: Scientists warn of hidden risks
By the numbers:
- 50,000 metric tons: Estimated phosphorus nonetheless sitting on the backside of Lake Okeechobee — decades-old air pollution that may nonetheless feed algae blooms.
- 8x day by day progress: Cyanobacteria can multiply quickly in heat, nutrient-rich circumstances.
- 1 microscopic spore: That’s all it takes to regrow a brand new poisonous algae colony.
What we do not know:
The long-term well being results of respiratory airborne toxins from cyanobacteria are nonetheless being studied. Researchers proceed testing new water therapies and AI-based forecasting fashions.
What’s subsequent:
Air pollution prevention: Researchers urge Floridians to chop down on fertilizer use and improve septic techniques to cease feeding the algae.
New applied sciences: Synthetic intelligence might quickly assist predict and handle future outbreaks.
Native tasks: New reservoirs, stormwater therapy areas, and superior septic techniques are a part of the broader struggle.
READ: Manatee County residents ask for additional protections for Myakka River
Huge image view:
Poisonous algae is a rising risk throughout the U.S., not simply in Florida. However the analysis being finished at Florida Gulf Coast College and different establishments and labs might form how communities reply — from high-tech interventions to raised air pollution management.
Dig deeper:
Discover extra in our “Breakthroughs in Science” sequence on the Fox Native app, together with:
- Full video investigations into cyanobacteria and public well being
- Methods to scale back nutrient runoff
- Tales on colonizing the Moon and Mars, curing most cancers, detecting darkish matter, and extra
The Supply: This report relies on unique reporting by FOX 13’s Craig Patrick. It options skilled insights from Dr. Mike Parsons and Dr. Barry Rosen of Florida Gulf Coast College.
