What is blue-green algae?
Photo credit: Quebec Ministry of Environment Blue-green algae (cyanobacteria) blooms may appear thick like pea soup, or look like green paint or grass clippings on the water. Although most of the lake has never had dense blue green algae blooms and most of those that do occur are harmless, blue-green algae can sometimes produce neurotoxins that can be dangerous if ingested in large enough quantities. In 1999, a dog died after ingesting toxic blue-green algae from Lake Champlain, followed by two more in 2000. Blue-green algae can form when warm surface water temperatures and calm winds limit vertical mixing of the lake water. These conditions, together with abundant phosphorus, can contribute to blue-green algae growth patterns that produce neurotoxins and prompt local human health concerns. During the August 2001 heat wave, officials from the Vermont Department of Health posted a blue-green algae advisory for the Lake because of conditions which may lead to the formation of blooms.
• Blue-green algae, or cyanobacteria, are natural to the environments food chain and are found all over the world. They are actually a type of bacteria but, like plants, they can use sunlight to grow. Many live with other types of algae and microscopic animals, collectively termed plankton. • Blue-green algae are a group of organisms that are among the oldest on the planet. They are ubiquitous – found in marine waters as well as freshwater and brackish habitats. Blue-green algae are also common in other states, including Georgia, Texas, Alabama and Michigan. • Some not all blue-green algae can produce toxins that can contribute to environmental problems and affect public health. Those blue-green algae that are known to produce toxins do not always do so. Little is known about exactly what environmental conditions trigger toxin production. • Blooms can float on the surface and be several inches thick or they can lie below the surface of the water.
Blue-green algae, also known as cyanobacteria. They are the reason that sometimes water seems green in color. In small number, they make part of balanced natural water ecosystem. But in large numbers they can cause serious water-quality problems, such as, bad odor and thick scum. When present in extremely high quantities they can produce toxins fatal to human and animal life.
• Blue-green algae, or “cyanobacteria,” are natural to the environment’s food chain and are found all over the world. They are actually a type of bacteria but, like plants, they can use sunlight to grow. Many live with other types of algae and microscopic animals, collectively termed “plankton.” • Blue-green algae are a group of organisms that are among the oldest on the planet. They are ubiquitous – found in marine waters as well as freshwater and brackish habitats. Blue-green algae are also common in other states, including Georgia, Texas, Alabama and Michigan. • Some – not all – blue-green algae can produce toxins that can contribute to environmental problems and affect public health. Those blue-green algae that are known to produce toxins do not always do so. Little is known about exactly what environmental conditions trigger toxin production. • Blooms can float on the surface and be several inches thick or they can lie below the surface of the water. Blooms can disappear from view
