Harmful Algal Blooms

Lauren Adkins Knose
Miami University of Ohio

Algae, or phytoplankton, are essential components of healthy lakes. However, under the right conditions, algae can grow rapidly to achieve high abundance. This is a bloom. Some algae, called cyanobacteria, can produce toxins that are harmful to humans and pets. This is a harmful algae bloom.

This workshop introduces participants to algae and to the cyanobacteria that may be problematic. It also explores different ways that harmful algal blooms are detected as well as some things you can do to reduce the probability of a bloom in your lake. 

For more information about harmful algae, cyanotoxins, and health effects, see: 

United States Environmental Protection Agency:
Cyanobacterial Harmful Algal Blooms in Water Bodies

​Centers for Disease Control: Harmful Algal Bloom-Associated Illness

​Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection:
So What Exactly are HABs and What Should You Do About Them?

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If you have any health-related questions about HABs, please contact the Division of Environmental Health Epidemiology at the Pennsylvania Department of Health at [email protected]. For other inquiries about HABs or to report a suspected HAB, contact the Pennsylvania HABs Task Force at [email protected]. 

PLEON offers screening for harmful algae blooms. Please contact Beth Norman ([email protected]) for details

The 2019 Harmful Algal Bloom workshop was supported in part by the National Science Foundation; grant #1754265 and #1754276