Harmful Algal Blooms
By Ariel Rogers and Alexxis Calixto
What are harmful algal blooms?
Harmful algal blooms are overgrowths of algae in water. Some produce dangerous toxins in fresh or marine water but even nontoxic blooms hurt the environment and local economies.
What are the Effects of Harmful Algal Blooms
Harmful Algal Blooms can ;
Produce extremely dangerous toxins that can sicken or kill people or animals.
create dead zones in the water
Raise treatment costs for drinking water
Hurt Industries that depend on clean water
What causes Harmful Algal Blooms
Harmful algal blooms need:
- Sunlight
- Slow-moving water
- Nutrients (nitrogen and phosphorus)
Nutrient pollution from human activities makes the problem worse, leading to more severe blooms that occur more often.
Algal Blooms can be toxic. keep people and pets away from water that is green scummy or smells bad.
Website: http://www.whoi.edu/redtide/
Location: www2.epa.gov/nutrientpollution/harmful-algal-blooms#cause