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Harmful Algal Bloom Response
Citation:
Parshionikar, S. Harmful Algal Bloom Response. 2018 APHL Annual Meeting and Twelfth Government Environmental Laboratory Conference, Pasadena,CA, June 03 - 06, 2018.
Impact/Purpose:
Cyanobacterial HAB (CyanoHAB) are often referred to as "blue-green algae". Cyanobacteria are bacteria that produce a wide variety of toxins and exhibit some similar characteristics with algae, such as photosynthesis, so they are considered harmful algae that can produce HABs. Overgrowth of autotrophs close to the shore of a water body. Wide variety of taxa can produce blooms and toxins. Typically detrimental to the aquatic system and can be harmful to humans and land animals (contact and consumption). Blooms are dependent on numerous factors, including nutrient loading, temperature, and weather patterns. Harmful Effects Without Toxins are unpleasant appearance, taste and odor problems, block photosynthesis in bottom-dwelling plants, and deplete dissolved O2 as bloom material dies. Harmful Effects Due to Toxins are illness and deaths in humans, wildlife, livestock, and pets and skin and airway irritation. Problems are excessive nitrogen and phosphorous levels can cause harmful algal blooms, algal/cyanobacteria strains bloom under different conditions, at different times, and different strains produce different toxins at varying amounts. Algal blooms put pressure on drinking water facilities, requiring operational changes that can be costly and not well understood.
Description:
A presentation to be given at the 2018 APHL Annual Meeting and Twelfth Government Environmental Laboratory Conference. Harmful algal blooms or HABs are overgrowth of cyanobacteria in water bodies. These bacteria produce several harmful toxins (called cyanotoxins) that have detrimental effects on human health as well as aquatic life and ecosystems. In 2014, the city of Toledo, Ohio, detected cyanotoxins in their treated drinking water for which they had to shut down their drinking water supply. This presentation describes the role ORD, Cincinnati played in helping the State of Ohio address this water crisis promptly. ORD analyzed the drinking samples and gave advice on the treatment removal of these toxins. Strong communication between ORD, State of Ohio elected officials and the City of Toledo helped in a timely resolution of the crisis. EPA, ORD’s role won praise from John Kasich, the Governor of Ohio.