Algae and Boats
We all know to avoid algae blooms in the water. But, now we may not be able to share airspace with the toxins that take over many lakes every summer. Scientists studying algae in Bear Lake, Michigan discovered boat traffic releases toxins in algae into the air. Researchers from the Centers for Disease Control made the discovery while testing water samples in the lake in 2006. Scientists tested the water and took blood samples from area residents to see if people who used boats or personal watercraft were absorbing toxins from blue-green algae.
Boats may aerosolize Microcystins in algal blooms, moving them from the water into the air. Scientists who worked on the study believe more research is needed to see whether airborne microcystins pose any health hazards.
Federal officials said they will study harmful algae blooms on other lakes around the country to see if people who swim or boat in lakes with toxic algae are absorbing potentially harmful concentrations of airborne microcystins into their blood.
December 21, 2007 6:24 AM | Category: Algae