Harmful algal bloom

Last updated • 54 min readFrom Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia
Cyanobacteria (blue-green algae) bloom on Lake Erie (United States) in 2009. These kinds of algae can cause harmful algal bloom. Blue-gree algae bloom Lake Erie.png
Cyanobacteria (blue-green algae) bloom on Lake Erie (United States) in 2009. These kinds of algae can cause harmful algal bloom.

A harmful algal bloom (HAB), or excessive algae growth, is an algal bloom that causes negative impacts to other organisms by production of natural algae-produced toxins, water deoxygenation, mechanical damage to other organisms, or by other means. HABs are sometimes defined as only those algal blooms that produce toxins, and sometimes as any algal bloom that can result in severely lower oxygen levels in natural waters, killing organisms in marine or fresh waters. [1] Blooms can last from a few days to many months. After the bloom dies, the microbes that decompose the dead algae use up more of the oxygen, generating a "dead zone" which can cause fish die-offs. When these zones cover a large area for an extended period of time, neither fish nor plants are able to survive. Harmful algal blooms in marine environments are often called "red tides". [2] [3]

Contents

It is sometimes unclear what causes specific HABs as their occurrence in some locations appears to be entirely natural, [4] while in others they appear to be a result of human activities. [5] In certain locations there are links to particular drivers like nutrients, but HABs have also been occurring since before humans started to affect the environment. HABs are induced by eutrophication, which is an overabundance of nutrients in the water. The two most common nutrients are fixed nitrogen (nitrates, ammonia, and urea) and phosphate. [6] The excess nutrients are emitted by agriculture, industrial pollution, excessive fertilizer use in urban/suburban areas, and associated urban runoff. Higher water temperature and low circulation also contribute.[ citation needed ]

HABs can cause significant harm to animals, the environment and economies. They have been increasing in size and frequency worldwide, a fact that many experts attribute to global climate change. The U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) predicts more harmful blooms in the Pacific Ocean. [7] Potential remedies include chemical treatment, additional reservoirs, sensors and monitoring devices, reducing nutrient runoff, research and management as well as monitoring and reporting. [8]


Terrestrial runoff, containing fertilizer, sewage and livestock wastes, transports abundant nutrients to the seawater and stimulates bloom events. Natural causes, such as river floods or upwelling of nutrients from the sea floor, often following massive storms, provide nutrients and trigger bloom events as well. Increasing coastal developments and aquaculture also contribute to the occurrence of coastal HABs. [2] [3] Effects of HABs can worsen locally due to wind driven Langmuir circulation and their biological effects.

Description and identification

Cyanobacteria algae on the coast of northern Germany Banter See 1348.jpg
Cyanobacteria algae on the coast of northern Germany

HABs from cyanobacteria (blue-green algae) can appear as a foam, scum, or mat on or just below the surface of water and can take on various colors depending on their pigments. [6] Cyanobacteria blooms in freshwater lakes or rivers may appear bright green, often with surface streaks that look like floating paint. [9] Cyanobacterial blooms are a global problem. [10]

Most blooms occur in warm waters with excessive nutrients. [6] The harmful effects from such blooms are due to the toxins they produce or from using up oxygen in the water which can lead to fish die-offs. [11] Not all algal blooms produce toxins, however, with some only discoloring water, producing a smelly odor, or adding a bad taste to the water. Unfortunately, it is not possible to tell if a bloom is harmful from just appearances, since sampling and microscopic examination is required. [6] In many cases microscopy is not sufficient to tell the difference between toxic and non-toxic populations. In these cases, tools can be employed to measure the toxin level or to determine if the toxin-production genes are present. [12]

Terminology

In a narrow definition, harmful algal blooms are only those blooms that release toxins that affect other species. On the other hand, any algal bloom can cause dead zones due to low oxygen levels, and could therefore be called "harmful" in that sense. The usage of the term "harmful algal blooms" in the media and scientific literature is varied. In a broader definition, all "organisms and events are considered to be HABs if they negatively impact human health or socioeconomic interests or are detrimental to aquatic systems". [13] A harmful algal bloom is "a societal concept rather than a scientific definition". [13]

A similarly broad definition of HABs was adopted by the US Environmental Protection Agency in 2008 who stated that HABs include "potentially toxic (auxotrophic, heterotrophic) species and high-biomass producers that can cause hypoxia and anoxia and indiscriminate mortalities of marine life after reaching dense concentrations, whether or not toxins are produced". [1]

Red tide

Harmful algal bloom in coastal areas are also often referred to as "red tides". [13] The term "red tide" is derived from blooms of any of several species of dinoflagellate, such as Karenia brevis . [14] However, the term is misleading since algal blooms can widely vary in color, and growth of algae is unrelated to the tides. Not all red tides are produced by dinoflagellates. The mixotrophic ciliate Mesodinium rubrum produces non-toxic blooms coloured deep red by chloroplasts it obtains from the algae it eats. [15]

The dinoflagellate labeled above is the microscopic alga Karenia brevis. It is the cause of a HAB event in the Gulf of Mexico. The algae propel themselves using a longitudinal flagellum (A) and a transverse flagellum (B). The longitudinal flagellum lies in a groove-like structure called the cingulum (F). The dinoflagellate is separated into an upper portion called the epitheca (C) where the apical horn resides (E) and a lower portion called the hypotheca (D). Karenia brevis Anatomy (1).png
The dinoflagellate labeled above is the microscopic alga Karenia brevis . It is the cause of a HAB event in the Gulf of Mexico. The algae propel themselves using a longitudinal flagellum (A) and a transverse flagellum (B). The longitudinal flagellum lies in a groove-like structure called the cingulum (F). The dinoflagellate is separated into an upper portion called the epitheca (C) where the apical horn resides (E) and a lower portion called the hypotheca (D).

As a technical term, it is being replaced in favor of more precise terminology, including the generic term "harmful algal bloom" for harmful species, and "algal bloom" for benign species.[ citation needed ]

Types

There are three main types of phytoplankton which can form into harmful algal blooms: cyanobacteria, dinoflagellates, and diatoms. All three are made up of microscopic floating organisms which, like plants, can create their own food from sunlight by means of photosynthesis. That ability makes the majority of them an essential part of the food web for small fish and other organisms. [16] :246

Cyanobacteria

Harmful algal blooms in freshwater lakes and rivers, or at estuaries, where rivers flow into the ocean, are caused by cyanobacteria, which are commonly referred to as "blue-green algae", [17] but are in fact prokaryotic bacteria, [18] as opposed to algae which are eukaryotes. [19] Some cyanobacteria, including the widespread genus Microsystis, can produce hazardous cyanotoxins such as microcystins, [20] which are hepatotoxins that harm the liver of mammals. [21] Other types of cyanobacteria can also produce hepatotoxins, as well as neurotoxins, cytotoxins, and endotoxins. [22] Water purification plants may be unable to remove these toxins, leading to increasingly common localised advisories against drinking tap water, as happened in Toledo, Ohio in August 2014. [23]

In August 2021, there were 47 lakes confirmed to have algal blooms in New York State alone. [24] [25] In September 2021, Spokane County's Environmental Programs issued a HAB alert for Newman Lake following tests showing potentially harmful toxicity levels for cyanobacteria, [26] while in the same month record-high levels of microcystins were reported leading to an extended 'Do Not Drink' advisory for 280 households at Clear Lake, California's second-largest freshwater lake. [27] Water conditions in Florida, meanwhile, continue to deteriorate under increasing nutrient inflows, causing severe HAB events in both freshwater and marine areas. [28]

HABs also cause harm by blocking the sunlight used by plants and algae to photosynthesise, or by depleting the dissolved oxygen needed by fish and other aquatic animals, which can lead to fish die-offs. [11] When such oxygen-depleted water covers a large area for an extended period of time, it can become hypoxic or even anoxic; these areas are commonly called dead zones. These dead zones can be the result of numerous different factors ranging from natural phenomenon to deliberate human intervention, and are not just limited to large bodies of fresh water as found in the great lakes, but are also prone to bodies of salt water as well. [29]

Dual-stage life systems of algal species

Many of the species that form harmful algae blooms will undergo a dual-stage life system. These species will alternate between a benthic resting stage and a pelagic vegetative state. The benthic resting stage corresponds to when these species are resting near the ocean floor. In this stage, the species cells are waiting for optimal conditions so that they can move towards the surface. These species will then transition from the benthic resting stage into the pelagic vegetative state - where they are more active and found near the water body surface. In the pelagic vegetative state, these cells are able to grow and multiply. It is within the pelagic vegetative state that a bloom is able to occur - as the cells rapidly reproduce and take over the upper regions of the body of water. The transition between these two life stages can have multiple effects on the algae bloom (such as rapid termination of the HAB as cells convert from the pelagic state to the benthic state). Many of the algal species that undergo this dual-stage life cycle are capable of rapid vertical migration. This migration is required for the movement from the benthic area of bodies of water to the pelagic zone. These species require immense amounts of energy as they pass through the various thermoclines, haloclines, and pycnoclines that are associated with the bodies of water in which these cells exist. [30]

Diatoms and dinoflagellates (in marine coastal areas)

A harmful algal bloom event off the coast of San Diego, California La-Jolla-Red-Tide.780.jpg
A harmful algal bloom event off the coast of San Diego, California

The other types of algae are diatoms and dinoflagellates, found primarily in marine environments, such as ocean coastlines or bays, where they can also form algal blooms. Coastal HABs are a natural phenomenon, [31] [32] although in many instances, particularly when they form close to coastlines or in estuaries, it has been shown that they are exacerbated by human-induced eutrophication and / or climate change. [33] [34] [35] [36] They can occur when warmer water, salinity, and nutrients reach certain levels, which then stimulates their growth. [31] Most HAB algae are dinoflagellates. [37] They are visible in water at a concentration of 1,000 algae cells/ml, while in dense blooms they can measure over 200,000/ml. [38]

Diatoms produce domoic acid, another neurotoxin, which can cause seizures in higher vertebrates and birds as it concentrates up the food chain. Domoic acid readily accumulates in the bodies of shellfish, sardines, and anchovies, which if then eaten by sea lions, otters, cetaceans, birds or people, can affect the nervous system causing serious injury or death. [39] In the summer of 2015, the state governments closed important shellfish fisheries in Washington, Oregon, and California because of high concentrations of domoic acid in shellfish. [40]

In the marine environment, single-celled, microscopic, plant-like organisms naturally occur in the well-lit surface layer of any body of water. These organisms, referred to as phytoplankton or microalgae, form the base of the food web upon which nearly all other marine organisms depend. Of the 5000+ species of marine phytoplankton that exist worldwide, about 2% are known to be harmful or toxic. [41] Blooms of harmful algae can have large and varied impacts on marine ecosystems, depending on the species involved, the environment where they are found, and the mechanism by which they exert negative effects.[ citation needed ]

List of common HAB genera

Causes

Harmful algal blooms do not have to be clearly visible. This shows a bloom with high cyanobacteria toxin levels (over 5 m/l) yet the bloom is not easy to see. Nonvisible cyanobacteria HAB.png
Harmful algal blooms do not have to be clearly visible. This shows a bloom with high cyanobacteria toxin levels (over 5 μ/l) yet the bloom is not easy to see.

It is sometimes unclear what causes specific HABs as their occurrence in some locations appears to be entirely natural, [4] while in others they appear to be a result of human activities. [5] Furthermore, there are many different species of algae that can form HABs, each with different environmental requirements for optimal growth. The frequency and severity of HABs in some parts of the world have been linked to increased nutrient loading from human activities. In other areas, HABs are a predictable seasonal occurrence resulting from coastal upwelling, a natural result of the movement of certain ocean currents. [43]

The growth of marine phytoplankton (both non-toxic and toxic) is generally limited by the availability of nitrates and phosphates, which can be abundant in coastal upwelling zones as well as in agricultural run-off. The type of nitrates and phosphates available in the system are also a factor, since phytoplankton can grow at different rates depending on the relative abundance of these substances (e.g. ammonia, urea, nitrate ion). [44]

A variety of other nutrient sources can also play an important role in affecting algal bloom formation, including iron, silica or carbon. Coastal water pollution produced by humans (including iron fertilization) and systematic increase in sea water temperature have also been suggested as possible contributing factors in HABs. [44]

Among the causes of algal blooms are: [45]

Nutrients

Nutrients enter freshwater or marine environments as surface runoff from agricultural pollution and urban runoff from fertilized lawns, golf courses and other landscaped properties; and from sewage treatment plants that lack nutrient control systems. [50] Additional nutrients are introduced from atmospheric pollution. [51] Coastal areas worldwide, especially wetlands and estuaries, coral reefs and swamps, are prone to being overloaded with those nutrients. [51] Most of the large cities along the Mediterranean Sea, for example, discharge all of their sewage into the sea untreated. [51] The same is true for most coastal developing countries, while in parts of the developing world, as much as 70% of wastewater from large cities may re-enter water systems without being treated. [52]

Residual nutrients in treated wastewater can also accumulate in downstream source water areas [53] and fuel eutrophication, which leads progressively to a cyanobacteria-dominated system characterized by seasonal HABs. As more wastewater treatment infrastructure is built, more treated wastewater is returned to the natural water system, leading to a significant increase in these residual nutrients.[ citation needed ]

Residual nutrients combine with nutrients from other sources to increase the sediment nutrient stockpile that is the driving force behind phase shifts to entrenched eutrophic conditions.[ citation needed ]

This contributes to the ongoing degradation of dams, lakes, rivers, and reservoirs - source water areas that are starting to become known as ecological infrastructure, [54] placing increasing pressure on wastewater treatment works and water purification plants. Such pressures, in turn, intensify seasonal HABs.[ citation needed ]

Climate change

Climate change contributes to warmer waters which makes conditions more favorable for algae growth in more regions and farther north. [55] [46] In general, still, warm, shallow water, combined with high-nutrient conditions in lakes or rivers, increases the risk of harmful algal blooms. [48] Warming of summer surface temperatures of lakes, which rose by 0.34 °C decade per decade between 1985 and 2009 due to global warming, also will likely increase algal blooming by 20% over the next century. [56]

Although the drivers of harmful algal blooms are poorly understood, they do appear to have increased in range expansion and frequency in coastal areas since the 1980s. [57] :16 The is the result of human induced factors such as increased nutrient inputs (nutrient pollution) and climate change (in particular the warming of water temperatures). [57] :16 The parameters that affect the formation of HABs are ocean warming, marine heatwaves, oxygen loss, eutrophication and water pollution. [58] :582

Causes or contributing factors of coastal HABs

Coastal harmful algal bloom event. Red tide.jpg
Coastal harmful algal bloom event.

HABs contain dense concentrations of organisms and appear as discolored water, often reddish-brown in color. It is a natural phenomenon, but the exact cause or combination of factors that result in a HAB event are not necessarily known. [59] However, three key natural factors are thought to play an important role in a bloom - salinity, temperature, and wind. HABs cause economic harm, so outbreaks are carefully monitored. For example, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission provides an up-to-date status report on HABs in Florida. [60] The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department also provides a status report. [61] While no particular cause of HABs has been found, many different factors can contribute to their presence. These factors can include water pollution, which originates from sources such as human sewage and agricultural runoff. [62]

The occurrence of HABs in some locations appears to be entirely natural (algal blooms are a seasonal occurrence resulting from coastal upwelling, a natural result of the movement of certain ocean currents) [63] [64] while in others they appear to be a result of increased nutrient pollution from human activities. [65] The growth of marine phytoplankton is generally limited by the availability of nitrates and phosphates, which can be abundant in agricultural run-off as well as coastal upwelling zones. Other factors such as iron-rich dust influx from large desert areas such as the Sahara Desert are thought to play a major role in causing HAB events. [66] Some algal blooms on the Pacific Coast have also been linked to occurrences of large-scale climatic oscillations such as El Niño events.[ citation needed ]

Other causes

Other factors such as iron-rich dust influx from large desert areas such as the Sahara are thought to play a role in causing HABs. [67] Some algal blooms on the Pacific coast have also been linked to natural occurrences of large-scale climatic oscillations such as El Niño events. HABs are also linked to heavy rainfall. [68] Although HABs in the Gulf of Mexico were witnessed in the early 1500s by explorer Cabeza de Vaca, [69] it is unclear what initiates these blooms and how large a role nanthropogenic and natural factors play in their development.[ citation needed ]

Number and sizes

The number of reported harmful algal blooms (cyanobacterial) has been increasing throughout the world. [70] It is unclear whether the apparent increase in frequency and severity of HABs in various parts of the world is in fact a real increase or is due to increased observation effort and advances in species identification technology. [71] [72]

In 2008, the U.S. government prepared a report on the problem, "Harmful Algal Bloom Management and Response: Assessment and Plan". [73] The report recognized the seriousness of the problem:

It is widely believed that the frequency and geographic distribution of HABs have been increasing worldwide. All U.S. coastal states have experienced HABs over the last decade, and new species have emerged in some locations that were not previously known to cause problems. HAB frequency is also thought to be increasing in freshwater systems. [73]

Researchers have reported the growth of HABs in Europe, Africa and Australia. Those have included blooms on some of the African Great Lakes, such as Lake Victoria, the second largest freshwater lake in the world. [74] India has been reporting an increase in the number of blooms each year. [75] In 1977 Hong Kong reported its first coastal HAB. By 1987 they were getting an average of 35 per year. [76] Additionally, there have been reports of harmful algal blooms throughout popular Canadian lakes such as Beaver Lake and Quamichan Lake. These blooms were responsible for the deaths of a few animals and led to swimming advisories. [77]

Global warming and pollution is causing algal blooms to form in places previously considered "impossible" or rare for them to exist, such as under the ice sheets in the Arctic, [78] in Antarctica, [79] the Himalayan Mountains, [80] the Rocky Mountains, [81] and in the Sierra Nevada Mountains. [82]

In the U.S., every coastal state has had harmful algal blooms over the last decade and new species have emerged in new locations that were not previously known to have caused problems. Inland, major rivers have seen an increase in their size and frequency. In 2015 the Ohio River had a bloom which stretched an "unprecedented" 650 miles (1,050 km) into adjoining states and tested positive for toxins, which created drinking water and recreation problems. [83] A portion of Utah's Jordan River was closed due to toxic algal bloom in 2016. [84]

Off the west coast of South Africa, HABs caused by Alexandrium catanella occur every spring. These blooms of organisms cause severe disruptions in fisheries of these waters as the toxins in the phytoplankton cause filter-feeding shellfish in affected waters to become poisonous for human consumption. [85]

Harmful effects

As algal blooms grow, they deplete the oxygen in the water and block sunlight from reaching fish and plants. Such blooms can last from a few days to many months. [84] With less light, plants beneath the bloom can die and fish can starve. Furthermore, the dense population of a bloom reduces oxygen saturation during the night by respiration. And when the algae eventually die off, the microbes which decompose the dead algae use up even more oxygen, which in turn causes more fish to die or leave the area. When oxygen continues to be depleted by blooms it can lead to hypoxic dead zones, where neither fish nor plants are able to survive. [86] These dead zones in the case of the Chesapeake Bay, where they are a normal occurrence, are also suspected of being a major source of methane. [87]

Scientists have found that HABs were a prominent feature of previous mass extinction events, including the End-Permian Extinction. [88]

Human health

Tests have shown some toxins near blooms can be in the air and thereby be inhaled, which could affect health. [89]

Food

Eating fish or shellfish from lakes with a bloom nearby is not recommended. [9] Potent toxins are accumulated in shellfish that feed on the algae. If the shellfish are consumed, various types of poisoning may result. These include amnesic shellfish poisoning (ASP), diarrhetic shellfish poisoning, neurotoxic shellfish poisoning, and paralytic shellfish poisoning. [90] A 2002 study has shown that algal toxins may be the cause for as many as 60,000 intoxication cases in the world each year. [90]

In 1987 a new illness emerged: amnesic shellfish poisoning (ASP). People who had eaten mussels from Prince Edward Island were found to have ASP. The illness was caused by domoic acid, produced by a diatom found in the area where the mussels were cultivated. [91] A 2013 study found that toxic paralytic shellfish poisoning in the Philippines during HABs has caused at least 120 deaths over a few decades. [92] After a 2014 HAB incident in Monterey Bay, California, health officials warned people not to eat certain parts of anchovy, sardines, or crab caught in the bay. [93] In 2015 most shellfish fisheries in Washington, Oregon and California were shut down because of high concentrations of toxic domoic acid in shellfish. [40] People have been warned that inhaling vapors from waves or wind during a HAB event may cause asthma attacks or lead to other respiratory ailments. [94]

In 2018 agricultural officials in Utah worried that even crops could become contaminated if irrigated with toxic water, although they admit that they can't measure contamination accurately because of so many variables in farming. They issued warnings to residents, however, out of caution. [95]

Drinking water

Satellite image of Lake Erie during a harmful algal bloom in 2011. Toxic Algae Bloom in Lake Erie.jpg
Satellite image of Lake Erie during a harmful algal bloom in 2011.

Persons are generally warned not to enter or drink water from algal blooms, or let their pets swim in the water since many pets have died from algal blooms. [48] In at least one case, people began getting sick before warnings were issued. [96] There is no treatment available for animals, including livestock cattle, if they drink from algal blooms where such toxins are present. Pets are advised to be kept away from algal blooms to avoid contact. [97]

In some locations visitors have been warned not to even touch the water. [9] Boaters have been told that toxins in the water can be inhaled from the spray from wind or waves. [17] [9] Ocean beaches, [98] lakes [21] and rivers have been closed due to algal blooms. [84] After a dog died in 2015 from swimming in a bloom in California's Russian River, officials likewise posted warnings for parts of the river. [99] Boiling the water at home before drinking does not remove the toxins. [9]

In August 2014 the city of Toledo, Ohio advised its 500,000 residents to not drink tap water as the high toxin level from an algal bloom in western Lake Erie had affected their water treatment plant's ability to treat the water to a safe level. [23] The emergency required using bottled water for all normal uses except showering, which seriously affected public services and commercial businesses. The bloom returned in 2015 [100] and was forecast again for the summer of 2016. [101]

In 2004, a bloom in Kisumu Bay, which is the drinking water source for 500,000 people in Kisumu, Kenya, suffered from similar water contamination. [74] In China, water was cut off to residents in 2007 due to an algal bloom in its third largest lake, which forced 2 million people to use bottled water. [102] [103] A smaller water shut-down in China affected 15,000 residents two years later at a different location. [104] Australia in 2016 also had to cut off water to farmers. [105]

Alan Steinman of Grand Valley State University has explained that among the major causes for the algal blooms in general, and Lake Erie specifically, is because blue-green algae thrive with high nutrients, along with warm and calm water. Lake Erie is more prone to blooms because it has a high nutrient level and is shallow, which causes it to warm up more quickly during the summer. [106]

Symptoms from drinking toxic water can show up within a few hours after exposure. They can include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, or trigger headaches and gastrointestinal problems. [21] Although rare, liver toxicity can cause death. [21] Those symptoms can then lead to dehydration, another major concern. In high concentrations, the toxins in the algal waters when simply touched can cause skin rashes, irritate the eyes, nose, mouth or throat. [9] Those with suspected symptoms are told to call a doctor if symptoms persist or they can't hold down fluids after 24 hours.[ citation needed ]

In studies at the population level bloom coverage has been significantly related to the risk of non-alcoholic liver disease death. [107]

Neurological disorders

Toxic algae blooms are thought to play a role in humans developing degenerative neurological disorders such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and Parkinson's disease. [108]

Less than one percent of algal blooms produce hazardous toxins, such as microcystins. [20] Although blue-green or other algae do not usually pose a direct threat to health, the toxins (poisons) which they produce are considered dangerous to humans, land animals, sea mammals, birds [84] and fish when the toxins are ingested. [20] The toxins are neurotoxins which destroy nerve tissue which can affect the nervous system, brain, and liver, and can lead to death. [21]

Effects on humans from harmful algal blooms in marine environments

Humans are affected by the HAB species by ingesting improperly harvested shellfish, breathing in aerosolized brevetoxins (i.e. PbTx or Ptychodiscus toxins) and in some cases skin contact. [109] The brevetoxins bind to voltage-gated sodium channels, important structures of cell membranes. Binding results in persistent activation of nerve cells, which interferes with neural transmission leading to health problems. These toxins are created within the unicellular organism, or as a metabolic product. [110] The two major types of brevetoxin compounds have similar but distinct backbone structures. PbTx-2 is the primary intracellular brevetoxin produced by K. brevis blooms. However, over time, the PbTx-2 brevetoxin can be converted to PbTx-3 through metabolic changes. [110] Researchers found that PbTx-2 has been the primary intracellular brevetoxin that converts over time into PbTx-3. [111]

In the U.S., the seafood consumed by humans is tested regularly for toxins by the USDA to ensure safe consumption. Such testing is common in other nations. However, improper harvesting of shellfish can cause paralytic shellfish poisoning and neurotoxic shellfish poisoning in humans. [112] [113] Some symptoms include drowsiness, diarrhea, nausea, loss of motor control, tingling, numbing or aching of extremities, incoherence, and respiratory paralysis. [114] Reports of skin irritation after swimming in the ocean during a HAB are common. [115]

When the HAB cells rupture, they release extracellular brevetoxins into the environment. Some of those stay in the ocean, while other particles get aerosolized. During onshore winds, brevetoxins can become aerosolized by bubble-mediated transport, causing respiratory irritation, bronchoconstriction, coughing, and wheezing, among other symptoms. [115]

It is recommended to avoid contact with wind-blown aerosolized toxin. Some individuals report a decrease in respiratory function after only 1 hour of exposure to a K. brevis red-tide beach and these symptoms may last for days. [116] People with severe or persistent respiratory conditions (such as chronic lung disease or asthma) may experience stronger adverse reactions.[ medical citation needed ]

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's National Ocean Service provides a public conditions report identifying possible respiratory irritation impacts in areas affected by HABs. [117]

Economic impact

Recreation and tourism

The hazards which accompany harmful algal blooms have hindered visitors' enjoyment of beaches and lakes in places in the U.S. such as Florida, [98] California, [9] Vermont, [118] and Utah. [84] Persons hoping to enjoy their vacations or days off have been kept away to the detriment of local economies. Lakes and rivers in North Dakota, Minnesota, Utah, California and Ohio have had signs posted warning about the potential of health risk. [119]

Similar blooms have become more common in Europe, with France among the countries reporting them. In the summer of 2009, beaches in northern Brittany became covered by tonnes of potentially lethal rotting green algae. A horse being ridden along the beach collapsed and died from fumes given off by the rotting algae. [120]

The economic damage resulting from lost business has become a serious concern. According to one report in 2016, the four main economic impacts from harmful algal blooms come from damage to human health, fisheries, tourism and recreation, and the cost of monitoring and management of area where blooms appear. [121] EPA estimates that algal blooms impact 65 percent of the country's major estuaries, with an annual cost of $2.2 billion. [95] In the U.S. there are an estimated 166 coastal dead zones. [95] Because data collection has been more difficult and limited from sources outside the U.S., most of the estimates as of 2016 have been primarily for the U.S. [121]

In port cities in the Shandong Province of eastern China, residents are no longer surprised when massive algal blooms arrive each year and inundate beaches. Prior to the Beijing Olympics in 2008, over 10,000 people worked to clear 20,000 tons of dead algae from beaches. [122] In 2013 another bloom in China, thought to be its largest ever, [123] covered an area of 7,500 square miles, [122] and was followed by another in 2015 which blanketed an even greater 13,500 square miles. The blooms in China are thought to be caused by pollution from untreated agricultural and industrial discharges into rivers leading to the ocean. [124]

Fisheries industry

As early as 1976 a short-term, relatively small, dead zone off the coasts of New York and New Jersey cost commercial and recreational fisheries over $500 million. [125] In 1998 a HAB in Hong Kong killed over $10 million in high-value fish. [76]

In 2009, the economic impact for the state of Washington's coastal counties dependent on its fishing industry was estimated to be $22 million. [126] In 2016, the U.S. seafood industry expected future lost revenue could amount to $900 million annually. [121]

NOAA has provided a few cost estimates for various blooms over the past few years: [127] $10.3 million in 2011 due to a HAB at Texas oyster landings; $2.4 million lost income by tribal commerce from 2015 fishery closures in the pacific northwest; $40 million from Washington state's loss of tourism from the same fishery closure.

Along with damage to businesses, the toll from human sickness results in lost wages and damaged health. The costs of medical treatment, investigation by health agencies through water sampling and testing, and the posting of warning signs at effected locations is also costly. [128]

The closures applied to areas where this algae bloom occurs has a big negative impact of the fishing industries, add to that the high fish mortality that follows, the increase in price due to the shortage of fish available and decrease in the demand for seafood due to the fear of contamination by toxins. [129] This causes a big economic loss for the industry.

Economic costs are estimated to rise. In June 2015, for instance, the largest known toxic HAB forced the shutdown of the west coast shellfish industry, the first time that has ever happened. One Seattle NOAA expert commented, "This is unprecedented in terms of the extent and magnitude of this harmful algal bloom and the warm water conditions we're seeing offshore...." [130] The bloom covered a range from Santa Barbara, California northward to Alaska. [131]

The negative impact on fish can be even more severe when they are confined to pens, as they are in fish farms. In 2007 a fish farm in British Columbia lost 260 tons of salmon as a result of blooms, [132] and in 2016 a farm in Chile lost 23 million salmon after an algal bloom. [133]

Environmental impact

Dead zones

The presence of harmful algae bloom's can lead to hypoxia or anoxia in a body of water. The depletion of oxygen within a body of water can lead to the creation of a dead zone. Dead zones occur when a body of water has become unsuitable for organism survival in that location. HAB's cause dead zones by consuming oxygen in these bodies of water - leaving minimal oxygen available to other marine organisms. When the HAB's die, their bodies will sink to the bottom of the body of water - as the decaying of their bodies (through bacteria) is what causes the consumption of oxygen. Once oxygen levels get so low, the HAB's have placed the body of water in hypoxia - and these low oxygen levels will cause marine organisms to seek out better suited locations for their survival. [134]

Blooms can harm the environment even without producing toxins by depleting oxygen from the water when growing and while decaying after they die. Blooms can also block sunlight to organisms living beneath it. A record-breaking number and size of blooms have formed in the Pacific coast, in Lake Erie, in the Chesapeake Bay and in the Gulf of Mexico, where a number of dead zones were created as a result. [135] In the 1960s the number of dead zones worldwide was 49; the number rose to over 400 by 2008. [125]

Among the largest dead zones were those in northern Europe's Baltic Sea and the Gulf of Mexico, which affects a $2.8 billion U.S. fish industry. [74] Unfortunately, dead zones rarely recover and usually grow in size. [125] One of the few dead zones to ever recover was in the Black Sea, which returned to normal fairly quickly after the collapse of the Soviet Union in the 1990s due to a resulting reduction in fertilizer use. [125]

The US Coast Guard Cutter Healy ferried scientists to 26 study sites in the Arctic, where blooms ranged in concentration from high (red) to low (purple).
Researcher David Mayer of Clark University lowers a video camera below the ice to observe a dense bloom of phytoplankton.

Fish die-offs

Massive fish die-offs have been caused by HABs. [136] In 2016, 23 million salmon which were being farmed in Chile died from a toxic algae bloom. [137] To get rid of the dead fish, the ones fit for consumption were made into fishmeal and the rest were dumped 60 miles offshore to avoid risks to human health. [137] The economic cost of that die-off is estimated to have been $800 million. [137] Environmental expert Lester Brown has written that the farming of salmon and shrimp in offshore ponds concentrates waste, which contributes to eutrophication and the creation of dead zones. [138]

Other countries have reported similar impacts, with cities such as Rio de Janeiro, Brazil seeing major fish die-offs from blooms becoming a common occurrence. [139] In early 2015, Rio collected an estimated 50 tons of dead fish from the lagoon where water events in the 2016 Olympics were planned to take place. [139]

The Monterey Bay has suffered from harmful algal blooms, most recently in 2015: "Periodic blooms of toxin-producing Pseudo-nitzschia diatoms have been documented for over 25 years in Monterey Bay and elsewhere along the U.S. west coast. During large blooms, the toxin accumulates in shellfish and small fish such as anchovies and sardines that feed on algae, forcing the closure of some fisheries and poisoning marine mammals and birds that feed on contaminated fish." [140] Similar fish die-offs from toxic algae or lack of oxygen have been seen in Russia, [141] Colombia, [142] Vietnam, [143] China, [144] Canada, [145] Turkey, [146] Indonesia, [147] and France. [148]

Land animal deaths

Land animals, including livestock and pets have been affected. Dogs have died from the toxins after swimming in algal blooms. [149] Warnings have come from government agencies in the state of Ohio, which noted that many dogs and livestock deaths resulted from HAB exposure in the U.S. and other countries. They also noted in a 2003 report that during the previous 30 years, they have seen more frequent and longer-lasting harmful algal blooms." [150] In 50 countries and 27 states that year there were reports of human and animal illnesses linked to algal toxins. [150] In Australia, the department of agriculture warned farmers that the toxins from a HAB had the "potential to kill large numbers of livestock very quickly." [151]

Whales can be killed by harmful algal blooms Dead whale NOAA.jpg
Whales can be killed by harmful algal blooms

Marine mammals have also been seriously harmed, as over 50 percent of unusual marine mammal deaths are caused by harmful algal blooms. [152] In 1999, over 65 bottlenose dolphins died during a coastal HAB in Florida. [153] In 2013 a HAB in southwest Florida killed a record number of Manatee. [154] Whales have also died in large numbers. During the period from 2005 to 2014, Argentina reported an average 65 baby whales dying which experts have linked to algal blooms. A whale expert there expects the whale population to be reduced significantly. [155] In 2003 off Cape Cod in the North Atlantic, at least 12 humpback whales died from toxic algae from a HAB. [156] In 2015 Alaska and British Columbia reported many humpback whales had likely died from HAB toxins, with 30 having washed ashore in Alaska. "Our leading theory at this point is that the harmful algal bloom has contributed to the deaths," said a NOAA spokesperson. [157] [158]

Birds have died after eating dead fish contaminated with toxic algae. Rotting and decaying fish are eaten by birds such as pelicans, seagulls, cormorants, and possibly marine or land mammals, which then become poisoned. [136] The nervous systems of dead birds were examined and had failed from the toxin's effect. [93] On the Oregon and Washington coast, a thousand scoters, or sea ducks, were also killed in 2009. "This is huge," said a university professor. [159] As dying or dead birds washed up on the shore, wildlife agencies went into "an emergency crisis mode." [159]

It has even been suggested that harmful algal blooms are responsible for the deaths of animals found in fossil troves, [160] such as the dozens of cetacean skeletons found at Cerro Ballena. [161]

Effects on marine ecosystems

Harmful algal blooms in marine ecosystems have been observed to cause adverse effects to a wide variety of aquatic organisms, most notably marine mammals, sea turtles, seabirds and finfish. The impacts of HAB toxins on these groups can include harmful changes to their developmental, immunological, neurological, or reproductive capacities. The most conspicuous effects of HABs on marine wildlife are large-scale mortality events associated with toxin-producing blooms. For example, a mass mortality event of 107 bottlenose dolphins occurred along the Florida panhandle in the spring of 2004 due to ingestion of contaminated menhaden with high levels of brevetoxin. [162] Manatee mortalities have also been attributed to brevetoxin but unlike dolphins, the main toxin vector was endemic seagrass species (Thalassia testudinum) in which high concentrations of brevetoxins were detected and subsequently found as a main component of the stomach contents of manatees. [162]

Additional marine mammal species, like the highly endangered North Atlantic right whale, have been exposed to neurotoxins by preying on highly contaminated zooplankton. [163] With the summertime habitat of this species overlapping with seasonal blooms of the toxic dinoflagellate Alexandrium fundyense, and subsequent copepod grazing, foraging right whales will ingest large concentrations of these contaminated copepods. Ingestion of such contaminated prey can affect respiratory capabilities, feeding behavior, and ultimately the reproductive condition of the population. [163]

Immune system responses have been affected by brevetoxin exposure in another critically endangered species, the loggerhead sea turtle. Brevetoxin exposure, from inhalation of aerosolized toxins and ingestion of contaminated prey, can have clinical signs of increased lethargy and muscle weakness in loggerhead sea turtles causing these animals to wash ashore in a decreased metabolic state with increases of immune system responses upon blood analysis. [164]

Examples of common harmful effects of HABs include:

  1. the production of neurotoxins which cause mass mortalities in fish, seabirds, sea turtles, and marine mammals
  2. human illness or death from consumption of seafood contaminated by toxic algae [165]
  3. mechanical damage to other organisms, such as disruption of epithelial gill tissues in fish, resulting in asphyxiation
  4. oxygen depletion of the water column (hypoxia or anoxia) from cellular respiration and bacterial degradation
Dead zone in the southern U.S. Gulf dead zone.jpg
Dead zone in the southern U.S.

Marine life exposure

HABs occur naturally off coasts all over the world. Marine dinoflagellates produce ichthyotoxins. Where HABs occur, dead fish wash up on shore for up to two weeks after a HAB has been through the area. In addition to killing fish, the toxic algae contaminate shellfish. Some mollusks are not susceptible to the toxin, and store it in their fatty tissues. By consuming the organisms responsible for HABs, shellfish can accumulate and retain saxitoxin produced by these organisms. Saxitoxin blocks sodium channels and ingestion can cause paralysis within 30 minutes. [113]

In addition to directly harming marine animals and vegetation loss, harmful algal blooms can also lead to ocean acidification, which occurs when the amount of carbon dioxide in the water is increased to unnatural levels. Ocean acidification slows the growth of certain species of fish and shellfish, and even prevents shell formation in certain species of mollusks. These subtle, small changes can add up over time to cause chain reactions and devastating effects on whole marine ecosystems. [166] Other animals that eat exposed shellfish are susceptible to the neurotoxin, which may lead to neurotoxic shellfish poisoning [112] and sometimes even death. Most mollusks and clams filter feed, which results in higher concentrations of the toxin than just drinking the water. [167] Scaup, for example, are diving ducks whose diet mainly consists of mollusks. When scaup eat the filter-feeding shellfish that have accumulated high levels of the HAB toxin, their population becomes a prime target for poisoning. However, even birds that do not eat mollusks can be affected by simply eating dead fish on the beach or drinking the water. [168]

The toxins released by the blooms can kill marine animals including dolphins, sea turtles, birds, and manatees. [169] [170] The Florida Manatee, a subspecies of the West Indian Manatee, is a species often impacted by red tide blooms. Florida manatees are often exposed to the poisonous red-tide toxins either by consumption or inhalation. There are many small barnacles, crustaceans, and other epiphytes that grow on the blades of seagrass. These tiny creatures filter particles from the water around them and use these particles as their main food source. During red tide blooms, they also filter the toxic red tide cells from the water, which then becomes concentrated inside them. Although these toxins do not harm epiphytes, they are extremely poisonous to marine creatures who consume (or accidentally consume) the exposed epiphytes, such as manatees. When manatees unknowingly consume exposed epiphytes while grazing on sea grass, the toxins are subsequently released from the epiphytes and ingested by the manatees. In addition to consumption, manatees may also become exposed to air-borne Brevetoxins released from harmful red-tide cells when passing through algal blooms. [171] Manatees also have an immunoresponse to HABs and their toxins that can make them even more susceptible to other stressors. Due to this susceptibility, manatees can die from either the immediate, or the after effects of the HAB. [172] In addition to causing manatee mortalities, red-tide exposure also causes severe sublethal health problems among Florida manatee populations. Studies have shown that red-tide exposure among free-ranging Florida manatees has been shown to negatively impact immune functioning by causing increased inflammation, a reduction in lymphocyte proliferation responses, and oxidative stress. [173] Fish such as Atlantic herring, American pollock, winter flounder, Atlantic salmon, and cod were dosed orally with these toxins in an experiment, and within minutes the subjects started to exhibit a loss of equilibrium and began to swim in an irregular, jerking pattern, followed by paralysis and shallow, arrhythmic breathing and eventually death, after about an hour. [174] HABs have been shown to have a negative effect also in the memory functions of sea lions. [175]

Potential remedies

Reducing nutrient runoff

Soil and fertilizer runoff from a farm after heavy rains Runoff of soil & fertilizer.jpg
Soil and fertilizer runoff from a farm after heavy rains

Since many algal blooms are caused by a major influx of nutrient-rich runoff into a water body, programs to treat wastewater, reduce the overuse of fertilizers in agriculture and reducing the bulk flow of runoff can be effective for reducing severe algal blooms at river mouths, estuaries, and the ocean directly in front of the river's mouth.

The nitrates and phosphorus in fertilizers cause algal blooms when they run off into lakes and rivers after heavy rains. Modifications in farming methods have been suggested, such as only using fertilizer in a targeted way at the appropriate time exactly where it can do the most good for crops to reduce potential runoff. [176] A method used successfully is drip irrigation, which instead of widely dispersing fertilizers on fields, drip-irrigates plant roots through a network of tubes and emitters, leaving no traces of fertilizer to be washed away. [177] Drip irrigation also prevents the formation of algal blooms in reservoirs for drinking water while saving up to 50% of water typically used by agriculture. [178] [179]

There have also been proposals to create buffer zones of foliage and wetlands to help filter out the phosphorus before it reaches water. [176] Other experts have suggested using conservation tillage, changing crop rotations, and restoring wetlands. [176] It is possible for some dead zones to shrink within a year under proper management. [180]

There have been a few success stories in controlling chemicals. After Norway's lobster fishery collapsed in 1986 due to low oxygen levels, for instance, the government in neighboring Denmark took action and reduced phosphorus output by 80 percent which brought oxygen levels closer to normal. [180] Similarly, dead zones in the Black Sea and along the Danube River recovered after phosphorus applications by farmers were reduced by 60%. [180]

Nutrients can be permanently removed from wetlands harvesting wetland plants, reducing nutrient influx into surrounding bodies of water. [181] [182] Research is ongoing to determine the efficacy of floating mats of cattails in removing nutrients from surface waters too deep to sustain the growth of wetland plants. [183]

In the U.S., surface runoff is the largest source of nutrients added to rivers and lakes, but is mostly unregulated under the federal Clean Water Act. [184] :10 [185] [186] Locally developed initiatives to reduce nutrient pollution are underway in various areas of the country, such as the Great Lakes region and the Chesapeake Bay. [187] [188] To help reduce algal blooms in Lake Erie, the State of Ohio presented a plan in 2016 to reduce phosphorus runoff. [189]

Chemical treatment

Although a number of algaecides have been effective in killing algae, they have been used mostly in small bodies of water. For large algal blooms, however, adding algaecides such as silver nitrate or copper sulfate can have worse effects, such as killing fish outright and harming other wildlife. [190] Cyanobacteria can also develop resistance to copper-containing algaecides, requiring a larger quantity of the chemical to be effective for HAB management, but introducing a greater risk to other species in the region. [191] The negative effects can therefore be worse than letting the algae die off naturally. [190] [192]

The left graph shows the efficacy of aluminum chloride modified clay (AC-MC), aluminum sulfide modified clay (AS-MC), polyaluminum modified clay (PAC-MC) and standard untreated clay in deionized water for removing Aureococcus anophagefferens, a bloom causing algae. The right graph shows the same clays tested in seawater. Efficacy of Aluminum Modified Clays.png
The left graph shows the efficacy of aluminum chloride modified clay (AC-MC), aluminum sulfide modified clay (AS-MC), polyaluminum modified clay (PAC-MC) and standard untreated clay in deionized water for removing Aureococcus anophagefferens , a bloom causing algae. The right graph shows the same clays tested in seawater.

In 2019, Chippewa Lake in Northeast Ohio became the first lake in the U.S. to successfully test a new chemical treatment. The chemical formula killed all of the toxic algae in the lake within a single day. The formula has already been used in China, South Africa and Israel. [194]

In February 2020, Roodeplaat Dam in Gauteng Province, South Africa was treated with a new algicide formulation against a severe bloom of Microcystis sp. This formulation allows the granular product to float and slow-release its active ingredient, sodium percarbonate, that releases hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), on the water surface. Consequently, the effective concentrations are limited, vertically, to the surface of the water; and spatially to areas where cyanobacteria are abundant. This provide the aquatic organisms a "safe haven" in untreated areas and avoids the adverse effects associated with the use of standard algicides. [195]

Bioactive compounds isolated from terrestrial and aquatic plants, particularly seaweeds, have seen results as a more environmentally friendly control for HABs. Molecules found in seaweeds such as Corallina, Sargassum, and Saccharina japonica have shown to inhibit some bloom-forming microalgae. In addition to their anti-microalgal effects, the bioactive molecules found in these seaweeds also have antibacterial, antifungal, and antioxidant properties. [191]


Removal of HABs using aluminum-modified clay

Other chemicals are being tested for their efficacy for removing cyanobacteria during blooms. Modified clays, such as aluminum chloride modified clay (AC-MC), aluminum sulfide modified clay (AS-MC) and polyaluminum chloride modified clay (PAC-MC) have shown positive results in vitro for the removal of Aureococcus by trapping the microalgae in the sediment of clay, removing it from the top layer of water where harmful blooms can occur. [193]

Many efforts have been made in an attempt to control HAB's so that the harm that they cause can be kept at a minimum. Studies into the use of clay to control HAB's have proven that this method may be an effective way to reduce the negative effects caused by HAB's. The addition of aluminum chloride, aluminum sulfate, or polyaluminum chloride to clay can modify the clay surface and increase its efficiency in the removal of HAB's from a body of water. The addition of aluminum-containing compounds causes the clay particles to achieve a positive charge, with these particles then undergoing flocculation with the harmful algae cells. The algae cells then group together: becoming a sediment instead of a suspension. The process of flocculation will limit the bloom growth and reduce the impact in which the bloom can have on an area. [196]

In the Netherlands, successful algae and phosphate removal from surface water has been obtained by pumping affected water through a hydrodynamic separator. The treated water is then free from algae and contains a significant lower amount of phosphate since the removed algae cells contain a lot of phosphate. The treated water also gets a lower turbidity. Future projects will study the positive effects on the ecology and marine life as it is expected plant life will be restored and a reduction in bottom dwelling fish will automatically reduce the turbidity of the cleaned water. The removed algae and phosphate may find its way not as waste but as infeed to bio digesters.

Additional reservoirs

Other experts have proposed building reservoirs to prevent the movement of algae downstream. However, that can lead to the growth of algae within the reservoir, which become sediment traps with a resultant buildup of nutrients. [190] Some researchers found that intensive blooms in reservoirs were the primary source of toxic algae observed downstream, but the movement of algae has so far been less studied, although it is considered a likely cause of algae transport. [192] [197]

Restoring shellfish populations

The decline of filter-feeding shellfish populations, such as oysters, likely contribute to HAB occurrence. [198] As such, numerous research projects are assessing the potential of restored shellfish populations to reduce HAB occurrence. [199] [200] [201]

Improved monitoring

Algal blooms forming and breaking up over time

Other remedies include using improved monitoring methods, trying to improve predictability, and testing new potential methods of controlling HABs. [73] Some countries surrounding the Baltic Sea, which has the world's largest dead zone, have considered using massive geoengineering options, such as forcing air into bottom layers to aerate them. [125]

Mathematical models are useful to predict future algal blooms. [45]

Sensors and monitoring devices

A growing number of scientists agree that there is an urgent need to protect the public by being able to forecast harmful algal blooms. [202] One way they hope to do that is with sophisticated sensors which can help warn about potential blooms. [203] The same types of sensors can also be used by water treatment facilities to help them prepare for higher toxic levels. [202] [204]

The only sensors now in use are located in the Gulf of Mexico. In 2008 similar sensors in the Gulf forewarned of an increased level of toxins that led to a shutdown of shellfish harvesting in Texas along with a recall of mussels, clams, and oysters, possibly saving many lives. With an increase in the size and frequency of HABs, experts state the need for significantly more sensors located around the country. [202] The same kinds of sensors can also be used to detect threats to drinking water from intentional contamination. [205]

Satellite and remote sensing technologies are growing in importance for monitoring, tracking, and detecting HABs. [206] [207] [208] [209] Four U.S. federal agencies—EPA, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), NOAA, and the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS)—are working on ways to detect and measure cyanobacteria blooms using satellite data. [210] The data may help develop early-warning indicators of cyanobacteria blooms by monitoring both local and national coverage. [211] In 2016 automated early-warning monitoring systems were successfully tested, and for the first time proven to identify the rapid growth of algae and the subsequent depletion of oxygen in the water. [212]

Examples

Notable occurrences

United States

In July 2016 Florida declared a state of emergency for four counties as a result of blooms. They were said to be "destroying" a number of businesses and affecting local economies, with many needing to shut down entirely. [255] Some beaches were closed, and hotels and restaurants suffered a drop in business. Tourist sporting activities such as fishing and boating were also affected. [256] [257]

In 2019, the biggest Sargassum bloom ever seen created a crisis in the Tourism industry in North America. This event was likely caused by climate change and nutrient pollution from fertilizers. [258] Several Caribbean countries considered declaring a state of emergency due to the impact on tourism as a result of environmental damage and potentially toxic and harmful health effects. [259]

On the U.S. coasts

The Gulf of Maine frequently experiences blooms of the dinoflagellate Alexandrium fundyense , an organism that produces saxitoxin, the neurotoxin responsible for paralytic shellfish poisoning. The well-known "Florida red tide" that occurs in the Gulf of Mexico is a HAB caused by Karenia brevis , another dinoflagellate which produces brevetoxin, the neurotoxin responsible for neurotoxic shellfish poisoning. California coastal waters also experience seasonal blooms of Pseudo-nitzschia , a diatom known to produce domoic acid, the neurotoxin responsible for amnesic shellfish poisoning.

Marine harmful algal bloom in a harbor, Japan Red tide_2017.jpg
Marine harmful algal bloom in a harbor, Japan

The term red tide is most often used in the US to refer to Karenia brevis blooms in the eastern Gulf of Mexico, also called the Florida red tide. K. brevis is one of many different species of the genus Karenia found in the world's oceans. [260]

Major advances have occurred in the study of dinoflagellates and their genomics. Some include identification of the toxin-producing genes (PKS genes), exploration of environmental changes (temperature, light/dark, etc.) have on gene expression, as well as an appreciation of the complexity of the Karenia genome. [260] These blooms have been documented since the 1800s, and occur almost annually along Florida's coasts. [260]

There was increased research activity of harmful algae blooms (HABs) in the 1980s and 1990s. This was primarily driven by media attention from the discovery of new HAB organisms and the potential adverse health effects of their exposure to animals and humans. [261] [ full citation needed ] The Florida red tides have been observed to have spread as far as the eastern coast of Mexico. [260] The density of these organisms during a bloom can exceed tens of millions of cells per litre of seawater, and often discolor the water a deep reddish-brown hue.

Red tide is also sometimes used to describe harmful algal blooms on the northeast coast of the United States, particularly in the Gulf of Maine. This type of bloom is caused by another species of dinoflagellate known as Alexandrium fundyense . These blooms of organisms cause severe disruptions in fisheries of these waters, as the toxins in these organism cause filter-feeding shellfish in affected waters to become poisonous for human consumption due to saxitoxin. [262]

The related Alexandrium monilatum is found in subtropical or tropical shallow seas and estuaries in the western Atlantic Ocean, the Caribbean Sea, the Gulf of Mexico, and the eastern Pacific Ocean.

Texas

Natural water reservoirs in Texas have been threatened by anthropogenic activities due to large petroleum refineries and oil wells (i.e. emission and wastewater discharge), massive agricultural activities (i.e. pesticide release) and mining extractions (i.e. toxic wastewater) as well as natural phenomena involving frequent HAB events. For the first time in 1985, the state of Texas documented the presence of the P. parvum (golden alga) bloom along the Pecos River. This phenomenon has affected 33 reservoirs in Texas along major river systems, including the Brazos, Canadian, Rio Grande, Colorado, and Red River, and has resulted in the death of more than 27 million fish and caused tens of millions of dollars in damage. [263]

Chesapeake Bay

An algal bloom on the Sassafras River, a tributary of the Chesapeake Bay July 12, 2013 - Sassafras River, VA Algal Bloom (9321804011).jpg
An algal bloom on the Sassafras River, a tributary of the Chesapeake Bay

The Chesapeake Bay, the largest estuary in the U.S., has suffered from repeated large algal blooms for decades due to chemical runoff from multiple sources, [264] including 9 large rivers and 141 smaller streams and creeks in parts of six states. In addition, the water is quite shallow and only 1% of the waste entering it gets flushed into the ocean. [51]

By weight, 60% of the phosphates entering the bay in 2003 were from sewage treatment plants, while 60% of its nitrates came from fertilizer runoff, farm animal waste, and the atmosphere. [51] About 300 million pounds (140 Gg) of nitrates are added to the bay each year. [265] The population increase in the bay watershed, from 3.7 million people in 1940 to 18 million in 2015 is also a major factor, [51] as economic growth leads to the increased use of fertilizers and rising emissions of industrial waste. [266] [267]

As of 2015, the six states and the local governments in the Chesapeake watershed have upgraded their sewage treatment plants to control nutrient discharges. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates that sewage treatment plant improvements in the Chesapeake region between 1985 and 2015 have prevented the discharge of 900 million pounds (410 Gg) of nutrients, with nitrogen discharges reduced by 57% and phosphorus by 75%. [268] Agricultural and urban runoff pollution continue to be major sources of nutrients in the bay, and efforts to manage those problems are continuing throughout the 64,000 square miles (170,000 km2) watershed. [269]

Lake Erie

Recent algae blooms in Lake Erie have been fed primarily by agricultural runoff and have led to warnings for some people in Canada and Ohio not to drink their water. [270] [271] The International Joint Commission has called on United States and Canada to drastically reduce phosphorus loads into Lake Erie to address the threat. [272] [273] [274]

Green Bay

Green Bay has a dead zone caused by phosphorus pollution that appears to be getting worse. [275]

Okeechobee Waterway

Harmful algal bloom (cyanobacteria) on Lake Okeechobee in 2016. Cropped lake okeechobee oli 2016184 lrg.jpg
Harmful algal bloom (cyanobacteria) on Lake Okeechobee in 2016.

Lake Okeechobee is an ideal habitat for cyanobacteria because its shallow, sunny, and laden with nutrients from Florida's agriculture. [276] The Okeechobee Waterway connects the lake to the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico through the St. Lucie River and the Caloosahatchee respectively. This means that harmful algal blooms are carried down the estuaries as water is released during the wet summer months. In July 2018 up to 90% of Lake Okeechobee was covered in algae. [277] [278] Water draining from the lake filled the region with a noxious odor and caused respiratory problems in some humans during the following month. [279] To make matters worse, harmful red tide blooms are historically common on Florida's coasts during these same summer months. [280] Cyanobacteria in the rivers die as they reach saltwater but their nitrogen fixation feeds the red tide on the coast. [280] Areas at the mouth of the estuaries such as Cape Coral and Port St. Lucie therefore experience the compounded effects of both types of harmful algal bloom. Cleanup crews hired by authorities in Lee County - where the Caloosahatchee meets the Gulf of Mexico - removed more than 1700 tons of dead marine life in August 2018. [281]

Baltic Sea

In 2020, a large harmful algal bloom closed beaches in Poland and Finland, brought on by a combination of fertilizer runoff and extreme heat, posing a risk to flounder and mussel beds. [282] [283] This is seen by the Baltic Sea Action Group as a threat to biodiversity and regional fishing stocks. [284]

Coastal seas of Bangladesh, India, and Pakistan

Open defecation is common in south Asia, but human waste is an often overlooked source of nutrient pollution in marine pollution modeling. When nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) contributed by human waste was included in models for Bangladesh, India, and Pakistan, the estimated N and P inputs to bodies of water increased one to two orders of magnitude compared to previous models. [47] River export of nutrients to coastal seas increases coastal eutrophication potential (ICEP). The ICEP of the Godavari River is three times higher when N and P inputs from human waste are included.

See also

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Algal bloom</span> Spread of planktonic algae in water

An algal bloom or algae bloom is a rapid increase or accumulation in the population of algae in freshwater or marine water systems. It is often recognized by the discoloration in the water from the algae's pigments. The term algae encompasses many types of aquatic photosynthetic organisms, both macroscopic multicellular organisms like seaweed and microscopic unicellular organisms like cyanobacteria. Algal bloom commonly refers to the rapid growth of microscopic unicellular algae, not macroscopic algae. An example of a macroscopic algal bloom is a kelp forest.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Domoic acid</span> Chemical compound

Domoic acid (DA) is a kainic acid-type neurotoxin that causes amnesic shellfish poisoning (ASP). It is produced by algae and accumulates in shellfish, sardines, and anchovies. When sea lions, otters, cetaceans, humans, and other predators eat contaminated animals, poisoning may result. Exposure to this compound affects the brain, causing seizures, and possibly death.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Eutrophication</span> Phenomenon where nutrients accumulate in water bodies

Eutrophication is a general term describing a process in which nutrients accumulate in a body of water, resulting in an increased growth of microorganisms that may deplete the water of oxygen. Eutrophication may occur naturally or as a result of human actions. Manmade, or cultural, eutrophication occurs when sewage, industrial wastewater, fertilizer runoff, and other nutrient sources are released into the environment. Such nutrient pollution usually causes algal blooms and bacterial growth, resulting in the depletion of dissolved oxygen in water and causing substantial environmental degradation.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Lake Okeechobee</span> Natural freshwater lake in Florida, United States

Lake Okeechobee is the largest freshwater lake in the U.S. state of Florida. It is the eighth-largest natural freshwater lake among the 50 states of the United States and the second-largest natural freshwater lake contained entirely within the contiguous 48 states, after Lake Michigan.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Microcystin</span> Cyanotoxins produced by blue-green algae

Microcystins—or cyanoginosins—are a class of toxins produced by certain freshwater cyanobacteria, commonly known as blue-green algae. Over 250 different microcystins have been discovered so far, of which microcystin-LR is the most common. Chemically they are cyclic heptapeptides produced through nonribosomal peptide synthases.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Cyanotoxin</span> Toxin produced by cyanobacteria

Cyanotoxins are toxins produced by cyanobacteria. Cyanobacteria are found almost everywhere, but particularly in lakes and in the ocean where, under high concentration of phosphorus conditions, they reproduce exponentially to form blooms. Blooming cyanobacteria can produce cyanotoxins in such concentrations that they can poison and even kill animals and humans. Cyanotoxins can also accumulate in other animals such as fish and shellfish, and cause poisonings such as shellfish poisoning.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Algal mat</span> Microbial mat that forms on the surface of water or rocks

Algal mats are one of many types of microbial mat that forms on the surface of water or rocks. They are typically composed of blue-green cyanobacteria and sediments. Formation occurs when alternating layers of blue-green bacteria and sediments are deposited or grow in place, creating dark-laminated layers. Stromatolites are prime examples of algal mats. Algal mats played an important role in the Great Oxidation Event on Earth some 2.3 billion years ago. Algal mats can become a significant ecological problem, if the mats grow so expansive or thick as to disrupt the other underwater marine life by blocking the sunlight or producing toxic chemicals.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Paralytic shellfish poisoning</span> Syndrome of shellfish poisoning

Paralytic shellfish poisoning (PSP) is one of the four recognized syndromes of shellfish poisoning, which share some common features and are primarily associated with bivalve mollusks. These shellfish are filter feeders and accumulate neurotoxins, chiefly saxitoxin, produced by microscopic algae, such as dinoflagellates, diatoms, and cyanobacteria. Dinoflagellates of the genus Alexandrium are the most numerous and widespread saxitoxin producers and are responsible for PSP blooms in subarctic, temperate, and tropical locations. The majority of toxic blooms have been caused by the morphospecies Alexandrium catenella, Alexandrium tamarense, Gonyaulax catenella and Alexandrium fundyense, which together comprise the A. tamarense species complex. In Asia, PSP is mostly associated with the occurrence of the species Pyrodinium bahamense.

Amnesic shellfish poisoning (ASP) is an illness caused by consumption of shellfish that contain the marine biotoxin called domoic acid. In mammals, including humans, domoic acid acts as a neurotoxin, causing permanent short-term memory loss, brain damage, and death in severe cases.

<i>Karenia brevis</i> Species of dinoflagellate

Karenia brevis is a microscopic, single-celled, photosynthetic organism in the genus Karenia. It is a marine dinoflagellate commonly found in the waters of the Gulf of Mexico. It is the organism responsible for the "Florida red tides" that affect the Gulf coasts of Florida and Texas in the U.S., and nearby coasts of Mexico. K. brevis has been known to travel great lengths around the Florida peninsula and as far north as the Carolinas.

Brevetoxin (PbTx), or brevetoxins, are a suite of cyclic polyether compounds produced naturally by a species of dinoflagellate known as Karenia brevis. Brevetoxins are neurotoxins that bind to voltage-gated sodium channels in nerve cells, leading to disruption of normal neurological processes and causing the illness clinically described as neurotoxic shellfish poisoning (NSP). Although brevetoxins are most well-studied in K. brevis, they are also found in other species of Karenia and at least one large fish kill has been traced to brevetoxins in Chattonella.

<i>Heterosigma akashiwo</i> Species of alga

Heterosigma akashiwo is a species of microscopic algae of the class Raphidophyceae. It is a swimming marine alga that episodically forms toxic surface aggregations known as harmful algal bloom. The species name akashiwo is from the Japanese for "red tide".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Fish kill</span> Localized die-off of fish populations

The term fish kill, known also as fish die-off, refers to a localized die-off of fish populations which may also be associated with more generalized mortality of aquatic life. The most common cause is reduced oxygen in the water, which in turn may be due to factors such as drought, algae bloom, overpopulation, or a sustained increase in water temperature. Infectious diseases and parasites can also lead to fish kill. Toxicity is a real but far less common cause of fish kill.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Neurotoxic shellfish poisoning</span> Syndrome of shellfish poisoning

Neurotoxic shellfish poisoning (NSP) is caused by the consumption of brevetoxins, which are marine toxins produced by the dinoflagellate Karenia brevis. These toxins can produce a series of gastrointestinal and neurological effects. Outbreaks of NSP commonly take place following harmful algal bloom (HAB) events, commonly referred to as "Florida red tide". Algal blooms are a naturally-occurring phenomenon, however their frequency has been increasing in recent decades at least in-part due to human activities, climate changes, and the eutrophication of marine waters. HABs have been occurring for all of documented history, evidenced by the Native Americans' understanding of the dangers of shellfish consumption during periods of marine bioluminescence. Blooms have been noted to occur as far north as North Carolina and are commonly seen alongside the widespread death of fish and sea birds. In addition to the effects on human health, the economic impact of HAB-associated shellfish toxin outbreaks can have significant economic implications as well due to not only the associated healthcare costs, but the adverse impact on the commercial shellfish industry.

<i>Karenia</i> (dinoflagellate) Genus of single-celled organisms

Karenia is a genus that consists of unicellular, photosynthetic, planktonic organisms found in marine environments. The genus currently consists of 12 described species. They are best known for their dense toxic algal blooms and red tides that cause considerable ecological and economical damage; some Karenia species cause severe animal mortality. One species, Karenia brevis, is known to cause respiratory distress and neurotoxic shellfish poisoning (NSP) in humans.

Chattonella is a genus of the marine class raphidophytes associated with red tides and can be found in the phylum Heterokontophyta in stramenopiles. These unicellular flagellates are found in brackish ecosystems. The genus Chattonella is composed of five species: C. subsalsa, C. antiqua, C. marina, C. minima, and C. ovata.

<i>Alexandrium catenella</i> Species of single-celled organism

Alexandrium catenella is a species of dinoflagellates. It is among the group of Alexandrium species that produce toxins that cause paralytic shellfish poisoning, and is a cause of red tide. Alexandrium catenella is observed in cold, coastal waters, generally at temperate latitudes. These organisms have been found in the west coast of North America, Japan, Australia, and parts of South Africa.

<i>Cochlodinium polykrikoides</i> Species of single-celled organism

Cochlodinium polykrikoides is a species of red tide producing marine dinoflagellates known for causing fish kills around the world, and well known for fish kills in marine waters of Southeast Asia. C. polykrikoides has a wide geographic range, including North America, Central America, Western India, Southwestern Europe and Eastern Asia. Single cells of this species are ovoidal in shape, 30-50μm in length and 25-30μm in width.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Mixotrophic dinoflagellate</span> Plankton

Dinoflagellates are eukaryotic plankton, existing in marine and freshwater environments. Previously, dinoflagellates had been grouped into two categories, phagotrophs and phototrophs. Mixotrophs, however include a combination of phagotrophy and phototrophy. Mixotrophic dinoflagellates are a sub-type of planktonic dinoflagellates and are part of the phylum Dinoflagellata. They are flagellated eukaryotes that combine photoautotrophy when light is available, and heterotrophy via phagocytosis. Dinoflagellates are one of the most diverse and numerous species of phytoplankton, second to diatoms.

Pseudo-nitzschia australis is a pennate diatom found in temperate and sub-tropic marine waters, such as off the coast of California and Argentina. This diatom is a Harmful Micro Algae that produces toxic effects on a variety of organisms through its production of domoic acid, a neurotoxin. Toxic effects have been observed in a variety of predatory organisms such as pelicans, sea lions, and humans. If exposed to a high enough dose, these predators will die as a result, and there is no known antidote. The potential indirect mortality associated with P. australis is of great concern to humans as toxic algae blooms, including blooms of P. australis, continue to increase in frequency and severity over recent years. Blooms of P. australis are believed to result from high concentrations of nitrates and phosphates in stream and river runoff, as well as coastal upwelling, which are also sources of other harmful algae blooms.

References

  1. 1 2 J. Heisler; P.M. Glibert; J.M. Burkholder; D.M. Anderson; W. Cochlan; W.C. Dennison b; Q. Dortch; C.J. Gobler; C.A. Heil; E. Humphries; A. Lewitus; R. Magnien; H.G. Marshallm; K. Sellner; D.A. Stockwell; D.K. Stoecker; M. Suddleson (2008). "Eutrophication and harmful algal blooms: A scientific consensus". Harmful Algae. 8 (1): 3–13. Bibcode:2008HAlga...8....3H. doi:10.1016/j.hal.2008.08.006. PMC   5543702 . PMID   28781587.
  2. 1 2 Anderson, Donald M.; Glibert, Patricia M.; Burkholder, Joann M. (August 2002). "Harmful algal blooms and eutrophication: Nutrient sources, composition, and consequences". Estuaries. 25 (4): 704–726. doi:10.1007/BF02804901. S2CID   44207554 . Retrieved 7 April 2021.
  3. 1 2 Hall, Danielle. "What Exactly Is a Red Tide?". Smithsonian. Retrieved 7 April 2021.
  4. 1 2 Adams, N. G.; Lesoing, M.; Trainer, V. L. (2000). "Environmental conditions associated with domoic acid in razor clams on the Washington coast". J Shellfish Res. 19: 1007–1015.
  5. 1 2 Lam, C. W. Y.; Ho, K. C. (1989). "Red tides in Tolo Harbor, Hong Kong". In Okaichi, T.; Anderson, D. M.; Nemoto, T. (eds.). Red tides. biology, environmental science and toxicology. New York: Elsevier. pp. 49–52. ISBN   978-0-444-01343-9.
  6. 1 2 3 4 "Harmful Algal Blooms". CDC. 9 March 2021.
  7. Harvey, Chelsea (2016-09-29). "The Pacific blob caused an "unprecedented" toxic algal bloom — and there's more to come". Washington Post.
  8. Sukenik, Assaf; Kaplan, Aaron (9 July 2021). "Cyanobacterial Harmful Algal Blooms in Aquatic Ecosystems: A Comprehensive Outlook on Current and Emerging Mitigation and Control Approaches". Microorganisms. 9 (7): 1472. doi: 10.3390/microorganisms9071472 . ISSN   2076-2607. PMC   8306311 . PMID   34361909.
  9. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 "Summer conditions growing toxic algae blooms in two California lakes", Los Angeles Times, July 21, 2016
  10. Harke, Matthew J.; Steffen, Morgan M.; Gobler, Christopher J.; Otten, Timothy G.; Wilhelm, Steven W.; Wood, Susanna A.; Paerl, Hans W. (2016-04-01). "A review of the global ecology, genomics, and biogeography of the toxic cyanobacterium, Microcystis spp". Harmful Algae. Global Expansion of Harmful Cyanobacterial Blooms: Diversity, ecology, causes, and controls. 54: 4–20. Bibcode:2016HAlga..54....4H. doi: 10.1016/j.hal.2015.12.007 . ISSN   1568-9883. PMID   28073480.
  11. 1 2 "What you need to know about toxic algae blooms", USA Today, August 7, 2015
  12. Rinta-Kanto, J. M.; Ouellette, A. J. A.; Boyer, G. L.; Twiss, M. R.; Bridgeman, T. B.; Wilhelm, S. W. (June 2005). "Quantification of Toxic Microcystis spp. during the 2003 and 2004 Blooms in Western Lake Erie using Quantitative Real-Time PCR". Environmental Science & Technology. 39 (11): 4198–4205. Bibcode:2005EnST...39.4198R. doi:10.1021/es048249u. ISSN   0013-936X. PMID   15984800.
  13. 1 2 3 Kudela, Raphael; Berdalet, Elisa; Enevoldsen, Henrik; Pitcher, Grant; Raine, Robin; Urban, Ed (1 March 2017). "GEOHAB–The Global Ecology and Oceanography of Harmful Algal Blooms Program: Motivation, Goals, and Legacy". Oceanography. 30 (1): 12–21. doi: 10.5670/oceanog.2017.106 . hdl: 10261/151090 .
  14. "Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs): Red Tide". U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Retrieved 2 Oct 2011.
  15. Dierssen, Heidi; McManus, George B.; Chlus, Adam; Qiu, Dajun; Gao, Bo-Cai; Lin, Senjie (2015). "Space station image captures a red tide ciliate bloom at high spectral and spatial resolution". Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. 112 (48): 14783–14787. Bibcode:2015PNAS..11214783D. doi: 10.1073/pnas.1512538112 . PMC   4672822 . PMID   26627232.
  16. Black, Jacquelyn G.; Black, Laura J. (2012). Microbiology: Principles and explorations (8th ed.). John Wiley & Sons.
  17. 1 2 3 Peebles, Ernst B. (20 July 2016). "Why toxic algae blooms like Florida's are so dangerous to people and wildlife". Huffington Post .
  18. Stanier, R.Y.; Bazine, G.C. (October 1977). "Phototrophic prokaryotes: The cyanobacteria". Annual Review of Microbiology . 31 (1): 225–274. doi:10.1146/annurev.mi.31.100177.001301. ISSN   0066-4227. PMID   410354.
  19. Yoon, Hwan Su; Hackett, Jeremiah D.; Ciniglia, Claudia; Pinto, Gabriele; Bhattacharya, Debashish (2004). "A molecular timeline for the origin of photosynthetic eukaryotes". Molecular Biology and Evolution . 21 (5): 809–818. doi: 10.1093/molbev/msh075 . ISSN   1537-1719. PMID   14963099.
  20. 1 2 3 "Are all algal blooms harmful?". oceanservice.noaa.gov. NOAA. 18 April 2016.
  21. 1 2 3 4 5 6 "Neurotoxic algae bloom that shuts down Utah Lake can affect brain, liver" KUTV, July 15, 2016
  22. Bláha, Luděk; Babica, Pavel; Maršálek, Blahoslav (January 2009). "Toxins produced in cyanobacterial water blooms – toxicity and risks". Interdisciplinary Toxicology. 2 (2): 36–41. doi:10.2478/v10102-009-0006-2. ISSN   1337-9569. PMC   2984099 . PMID   21217843.
  23. 1 2 "Toxic Algae Bloom Leaves 500,000 Without Drinking Water in Ohio", Ecowatch, August 3, 2014
  24. "Summer days are waning, but algal blooms are growing". Commentary & opinion. WAMC / Northeast Public Radio. 30 August 2021. Retrieved 22 September 2021 via wamc.org.
  25. "ArcGIS Web Application". nysdec.maps.arcgis.com. Retrieved 2021-09-22.
  26. Hawkins, Kelli (17 September 2021). "Harmful algae alert for Newman Lake". SRHD.org (Press release). Spokane, WA: Spokane Regional Health District. Retrieved 2021-09-22.
  27. Walton, Brett (22 September 2021). "Toxin levels spike, prompting drinking water emergency in northern California". Circle of Blue. Retrieved 22 September 2021.
  28. "Red tide and algae blooms: Florida waters in crisis". abcactionnews.com. WFTS. 2021-09-20. Retrieved 2021-09-22.
  29. "'Dead zone' is a more common term for hypoxia, which refers to a reduced level of oxygen in the water". oceanservice.noaa.gov. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. US Department of Commerce . Retrieved 2017-10-22.
  30. Tobin, Elizabeth D.; Grünbaum, Daniel; Patterson, Johnathan; Cattolico, Rose Ann (4 October 2013). "Behavioral and physiological changes during benthic-pelagic transition in the harmful alga, Heterosigma akashiwo: Potential for rapid bloom formation". PLoS One . 8 (10): e76663. Bibcode:2013PLoSO...876663T. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0076663 . ISSN   1932-6203. PMC   3790758 . PMID   24124586.
  31. 1 2 "FAQs about red tides". Water / Envvironmental concerns. Texas Parks & Wildlife Department. Austin, TX: Government of Texas.
  32. Turkoglu, Muhammet (1 August 2013). "Red tides of the dinoflagellate Noctiluca scintillans associated with eutrophication in the Sea of Marmara (the Dardanelles, Turkey)". Oceanologia. 55 (3): 709–732. Bibcode:2013Ocga...55..709T. doi: 10.5697/oc.55-3.709 . ISSN   0078-3234.
  33. Chen, Xiu-hua; Zhu, Liang-sheng; Zhang, Hong-sheng (2007). "Numerical simulation of summer circulation in the East China Sea and its application in estimating the sources of red tides in the Yangtze river estuary and adjacent sea areas". Journal of Hydrodynamics. 19 (3): 272–281. Bibcode:2007JHyDy..19..272C. doi:10.1016/s1001-6058(07)60059-6. ISSN   1001-6058. S2CID   119393454.
  34. Velikova, Violeta; Moncheva, Snejana; Petrova, Daniela (1999). "Phytoplankton dynamics and red tides (1987–1997) in the Bulgarian Black Sea". Water Science and Technology. 39 (8): 27–36. doi:10.2166/wst.1999.0378. ISSN   0273-1223.
  35. Song, Yantao; Wang, Ping; Li, Guangdi; Zhou, Daowei (2014). "Relationships between functional diversity and ecosystem functioning: A review". Acta Ecologica Sinica. 34 (2): 85–91. Bibcode:2014AcEcS..34...85S. doi:10.1016/j.chnaes.2014.01.001. ISSN   1872-2032.
  36. Phlips, Edward J.; Badylak, Susan; Lasi, Margaret A.; Chamberlain, Robert; Green, Whitney C.; Hall, Lauren M.; et al. (2015). "From red tides to green and brown tides: Bloom dynamics in a restricted subtropical lagoon under shifting climatic conditions". Estuaries and Coasts. 38 (3): 886–904. Bibcode:2015EstCo..38..886P. doi:10.1007/s12237-014-9874-6. ISSN   1559-2731. S2CID   83480080.
  37. Ryan, John (15 August 2008). Red tide & HAB studies in Monterey Bay (PDF) (Report). Monterey Bay Sanctuary Advisory Council Meeting. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2016-08-04.
  38. "Intense, widespread algal blooms reported in Chesapeake Bay". Science Daily (Press release). 1 September 2015.
  39. "Domoic acid toxicity". Top research projects. Marin Headlands, CA: The Marine Mammal Center.
  40. 1 2 "NOAA Fisheries mobilizes to gauge unprecedented West Coast toxic algal bloom" (Press release). Northwest Fisheries Science Center. June 2015.
  41. Landsberg, J.H. (2002). "The effects of harmful algal blooms on aquatic organisms". Reviews in Fisheries Science. 10 (2): 113–390. Bibcode:2002RvFS...10..113L. doi:10.1080/20026491051695. S2CID   86185142.
  42. Harmful Algal Blooms and Hypoxia in the Great Lakes Research Plan and Action Strategy: An Interagency Report National Science and Technology Council, August 2017, page 21.
  43. Trainer, V. L.; Adams, N. G.; Bill, B. D.; Stehr, C. M.; Wekell, J. C.; Moeller, P.; Busman, M.; Woodruff, D. (2000). "Domoic acid production near California coastal upwelling zones, June 1998". Limnol Oceanogr. 45 (8): 1818–1833. Bibcode:2000LimOc..45.1818T. doi: 10.4319/lo.2000.45.8.1818 . S2CID   54007265.
  44. 1 2 Moore, S.; et al. (2011). "Impacts of climate variability and future climate change on harmful algal blooms and human health". Proceedings of the Centers for Oceans and Human Health Investigators Meeting. 7 (Suppl 2): S4. doi: 10.1186/1476-069X-7-S2-S4 . PMC   2586717 . PMID   19025675.
  45. 1 2 Janssen, Annette BG; Janse, Jan H; Beusen, Arthur HW; Chang, Manqi; Harrison, John A; Huttunen, Inese; Kong, Xiangzhen; Rost, Jasmijn; Teurlincx, Sven; Troost, Tineke A; van Wijk, Dianneke; Mooij, Wolf M (2019). "How to model algal blooms in any lake on earth". Current Opinion in Environmental Sustainability . 36. Elsevier: 1–10. Bibcode:2019COES...36....1J. doi: 10.1016/j.cosust.2018.09.001 . hdl: 10138/341512 . ISSN   1877-3435. S2CID   158187643.
  46. 1 2 3 "Climate Change and Harmful Algal Blooms". Nutrient Pollution. Washington, D.C.: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). 2017-03-09.
  47. 1 2 Amin, Md Nurul; Kroeze, Carolien; Strokal, Maryna (2017). "Human waste: An underestimated source of nutrient pollution in coastal seas of Bangladesh, India and Pakistan". Marine Pollution Bulletin. 118 (1–2): 131–140. Bibcode:2017MarPB.118..131A. doi:10.1016/j.marpolbul.2017.02.045. ISSN   0025-326X. PMID   28238487.
  48. 1 2 3 "Russian River to be closely monitored this summer to guard against harmful algae blooms", Press Democrat June 23, 2016
  49. Harke, Matthew J.; Steffen, Morgan M.; Gobler, Christopher J.; Otten, Timothy G.; Wilhelm, Steven W.; Wood, Susanna A.; Paerl, Hans W. (2016). "A review of the global ecology, genomics, and biogeography of the toxic cyanobacterium, Microcystis spp". Harmful Algae. 54. Elsevier: 4–20. Bibcode:2016HAlga..54....4H. doi: 10.1016/j.hal.2015.12.007 . ISSN   1568-9883. PMID   28073480.
  50. "Sources and Solutions". Nutrient Pollution. EPA. 2017-03-10.
  51. 1 2 3 4 5 6 Miller, G. Tyler Jr., Environmental Science, Thomas Learning (2003) pp. 355357
  52. Nyenje, P.M.; Foppen, J.W.; Uhlenbrook, S.; Kulabako, R.; Muwanga, A. (2010-01-01). "Eutrophication and nutrient release in urban areas of sub-Saharan Africa — A review". Science of the Total Environment. 408 (3): 447–455. Bibcode:2010ScTEn.408..447N. doi:10.1016/j.scitotenv.2009.10.020. ISSN   0048-9697. PMID   19889445.
  53. Liu, G.; Lut, M.C.; Verberk, J.Q.J.C.; Van Dijk, J.C. (2013-05-15). "A comparison of additional treatment processes to limit particle accumulation and microbial growth during drinking water distribution". Water Research. 47 (8): 2719–2728. Bibcode:2013WatRe..47.2719L. doi:10.1016/j.watres.2013.02.035. ISSN   0043-1354. PMID   23510692.
  54. "• 'Ecological infrastructure' and 'green infrastructure'". biodiversityadvisor.sanbi.org. Archived from the original on 2021-09-09. Retrieved 2021-09-22.
  55. "Algal blooms 'likely to flourish as temperatures climb'", Straits Times, July 20, 2016
  56. O'Reiley; et al. (2015). "Rapid and highly variable warming of lake surface waters around the globe". Geophysical Research Letters . 42 (24): 10, 773–10, 781. Bibcode:2015GeoRL..4210773O. doi: 10.1002/2015GL066235 . hdl: 10138/208854 .
  57. 1 2 IPCC, 2019: Summary for Policymakers. In: IPCC Special Report on the Ocean and Cryosphere in a Changing Climate [H.-O. Pörtner, D.C. Roberts, V. Masson-Delmotte, P. Zhai, M. Tignor, E. Poloczanska, K. Mintenbeck, A. Alegría, M.  Nicolai, A. Okem, J. Petzold, B. Rama, N.M. Weyer (eds.)]. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, UK and New York, NY, USA. doi : 10.1017/9781009157964.001.
  58. Caretta, M.A., A. Mukherji, M. Arfanuzzaman, R.A. Betts, A. Gelfan, Y. Hirabayashi, T.K. Lissner, J. Liu, E. Lopez Gunn, R. Morgan, S. Mwanga, and S. Supratid, 2022: Chapter 4: Water. In: Climate Change 2022: Impacts, Adaptation and Vulnerability. Contribution of Working Group II to the Sixth Assessment Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change [H.-O. Pörtner, D.C. Roberts, M. Tignor, E.S. Poloczanska, K. Mintenbeck, A. Alegría, M. Craig, S. Langsdorf, S. Löschke, V. Möller, A. Okem, B. Rama (eds.)]. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, UK and New York, NY, USA, pp. 551–712, doi : 10.1017/9781009325844.006
  59. "Red Tide FAQ". Austin, TX: Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. Retrieved 2018-08-15.
  60. "Red Tide Current Status Statewide Information". Florida Fish and Wildlife Research Institute. Archived from the original on 2009-08-22. Retrieved 2009-08-23.
  61. "Red Tide Index". Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. Retrieved 2018-08-15.
  62. West, L. (2016). "Red Tide: Causes and Effects". About News. Archived from the original on 2017-03-02. Retrieved 2022-04-10.
  63. Trainer, VL; Adams, NG; Bill, BD; Stehr, CM; Wekell, JC; Moeller, P; Busman, M; Woodruff, D (2000). "Domoic acid production near California coastal upwelling zones, June (1998)". Limnol Oceanogr. 45 (8): 1818–1833. Bibcode:2000LimOc..45.1818T. doi: 10.4319/lo.2000.45.8.1818 . S2CID   54007265.
  64. Adams, NG; Lesoing, M; Trainer, VL (2000). "Environmental conditions associated with domoic acid in razor clams on the Washington coast". J Shellfish Res. 19: 1007–1015.
  65. Lam CWY, Ho KC (1989) Red tides in Tolo Harbor, Hong Kong. In: Okaichi T, Anderson DM, Nemoto T (eds) Red tides. Biology, environmental science and toxicology. Elsevier, New York, pp 49–52.
  66. Walsh; et al. (2006). "Red tides in the Gulf of Mexico: Where, when, and why?". Journal of Geophysical Research. 111 (C11003): 1–46. Bibcode:2006JGRC..11111003W. doi:10.1029/2004JC002813. PMC   2856968 . PMID   20411040.
  67. Walsh; et al. (2006). "Red tides in the Gulf of Mexico: Where, when, and why?". Journal of Geophysical Research. 111 (C11003): 1–46. Bibcode:2006JGRC..11111003W. doi:10.1029/2004JC002813. PMC   2856968 . PMID   20411040.
  68. 1 2 Morse, Ryan E.; Shen, Jian; Blanco-Garcia, Jose L.; Hunley, William S.; Fentress, Scott; Wiggins, Mike; Mulholland, Margaret R. (1 September 2011). "Environmental and Physical Controls on the Formation and Transport of Blooms of the Dinoflagellate Cochlodinium polykrikoides Margalef in the Lower Chesapeake Bay and Its Tributaries". Estuaries and Coasts. 34 (5): 1006–1025. Bibcode:2011EstCo..34.1006M. doi:10.1007/s12237-011-9398-2. ISSN   1559-2723. S2CID   84945112.
  69. Cabeza de Vaca, Álvar Núnez. La Relación (1542). Translated by Martin A. dunsworth and José B. Fernández. Arte Público Press, Houston, Texas (1993)
  70. Friend, Milton; Franson, J. Christian, eds. (1999). "Ch. 36. Algal toxins" (PDF). Field Manual of Wildlife Diseases (Report). Madison, WI: National Wildlife Health Center, United States Geological Survey (USGS). p. 263. ISBN   0-607-88096-1. 1999-001. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2012-09-05. Retrieved 2016-07-24.
  71. Sellner, K.G.; Doucette G.J., Doucette; G.J., Kirkpatrick (2003). "Harmful Algal blooms: causes, impacts and detection". Journal of Industrial Microbiology and Biotechnology. 30 (7): 383–406. doi: 10.1007/s10295-003-0074-9 . PMID   12898390. S2CID   6454310.
  72. Van Dolah, F.M. (2000). "Marine Algal Toxins: Origins, Health Effects, and Their Increased Occurrence". Environmental Health Perspectives. 108 (suppl.1): 133–141. doi:10.1289/ehp.00108s1133. JSTOR   3454638. PMC   1637787 . PMID   10698729. Archived from the original on 20 January 2009.
  73. 1 2 3 "Harmful Algal Bloom Management and Response: Assessment and Plan" Archived 2017-01-24 at the Wayback Machine , Office of Science and Technology Policy, Sept. 2008
  74. 1 2 3 "World Stands By As Algae and Dead Zones Ruin Water", Circle of Blue, Sept. 25, 2014
  75. "Boom in harmful algal blooms", The Hindu, Dec 20, 2010
  76. 1 2 Brown, Lester; McGinn, Anne Platt. Vital Signs 1999–2000: The Environmental Trends that Are Shaping Our Future, Routledge (1999 pp. 198–199)
  77. "Toxic blue-green algae ends swimming at popular Victoria lake". CBC News. Retrieved 2017-10-23.
  78. "NASA mission, led by Stanford biologist, finds massive algal blooms under Arctic sea ice", Stanford News, June 7, 2012
  79. "Behemoth Antarctic Algae Bloom Seen from Space", Life Science, March 7, 2012
  80. "Pollution, neglect and too much love killing once idyllic Himalayan lake", The Sydney Morning Herald, Nov. 5, 2011
  81. "Addressing Algal Blooms in Rocky Mountain National Park", Jordan Ramis, August 6, 2015
  82. " Algae in Sierra Nevada Mountain Wilderness Areas: Potential Health Hazards", Journal of Mountain Medicine and Ecology, University of California, Davis, Fall 2009
  83. "Toxic algae bloom now stretches 650 miles along Ohio river" Archived 2016-08-09 at the Wayback Machine , The Columbus Dispatch, Oct. 3, 2015
  84. 1 2 3 4 5 "Utah County portion of Jordan River closed due to toxic algal bloom" Archived 2016-07-24 at the Wayback Machine , Daily Herald, July 21, 2016
  85. "Red Tide Fact Sheet - Red Tide (Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning)". mass.gov. Archived from the original on 26 August 2009. Retrieved 2009-08-23.
  86. "Spreading Dead Zones and Consequences for Marine Ecosystems", Science, August 15, 2008
  87. Dietrich, Tamara (2016-07-19). "Study: Chesapeake Bay a bigger methane generator than previously thought". Daily Press. Newport News, VA.
  88. Mays, Chris; McLoughlin, Stephen; et al. (September 17, 2021). "Lethal microbial blooms delayed freshwater ecosystem recovery following the end-Permian extinction". Nature Communications . 12 (5511): 5511. Bibcode:2021NatCo..12.5511M. doi: 10.1038/s41467-021-25711-3 . PMC   8448769 . PMID   34535650.
  89. "Tests Reveal Florida's Toxic Algae is Threatening Not Only The Water Quality but Also the Air", Weather.com, July 28, 2016
  90. 1 2 Hoagland P., Anderson D.M., Kaoru Y., White A.W. (August 2002). "The Economic Effects of Harmful Algal Blooms in the United States: Estimates, Assessment Issues, and Information Needs". Estuaries. 4b (2): 307–312. JSTOR   258443.{{cite journal}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  91. Backer, Lorraine C. (Fall 2017). "Harmful Algal Blooms. At the interface between coast oceanography and human health". Oceanography. 19 (2): 96.
  92. "Lethal paralytic shellfish poisoning from consumption of green mussel broth, Western Samar, Philippines, August 2013", World Health Organization, Issue #2, April–June 2015
  93. 1 2 "Toxic algae blooms killing sea birds, threaten humans". KSBW TV News. April 30, 2014.
  94. Fleming LE, Kirkpatrick B, Backer LC, Bean JA, Wanner A, Reich A, Zaias J, Cheng YS, Pierce R, Naar J, Abraham WM, Baden DG (2007). "Aerosolized red-tide toxins (brevetoxins) and asthma". Chest. 131 (1): 187–94. doi:10.1378/chest.06-1830. PMC   2683400 . PMID   17218574.
  95. 1 2 3 "Effects of algal blooms continue to spread throughout Wasatch Front". KSL TV News. July 19, 2016.
  96. "People got sick at Pyramid Lake before the state reported toxic algae bloom. Could it have been avoided?", San Gabriel Valley Tribune, July 18, 2016
  97. "Blue algae problems persist", Marysville Online, July 13, 2016
  98. 1 2 "Summer Heat Could Worsen Algae Blooms In Florida Waters", WLRN, July 14, 2016
  99. "Dog dies on Russian River, tests positive for toxic algae" Archived 2016-08-17 at the Wayback Machine , Sept. 3, 2015
  100. "The Big-Ag-Fueled Algae Bloom That Won't Leave Toledo's Water Supply Alone", Mother Jones, August 5, 2016
  101. "Lake Erie's Toxic Algae Bloom Forecast for Summer 2016", EcoWatch, June 13, 2016
  102. "Algae smother Chinese lake, millions panic", NBC News, May 31, 2007
  103. Kahn, Joseph (2007-10-14). "In China, a Lake's Champion Imperils Himself". New York Times.
  104. "Algal bloom in Central China reservoir affects drinking water of 15,000", Chinaview, July 8, 2009
  105. "Blue-green algal bloom chokes Murray, cuts water to farmers", The Age, March 9, 2016
  106. Video interview: Dr. Alan Steinman on Algal Blooms in Lake Erie 13 min.
  107. Feng Zhang; Jiyoung Lee; Song Liang; CK Shum (2015). "Cyanobacteria blooms and non-alcoholic liver disease: evidence from a county level ecological study in the United States". Environ Health. 14 (1): 41. Bibcode:2015EnvHe..14...41Z. doi: 10.1186/s12940-015-0026-7 . PMC   4428243 . PMID   25948281.
  108. Konkel, Lindsey (December 11, 2014). "Are Algae Blooms Linked to Lou Gherig's Disease". Scientific American. Retrieved 18 August 2021.
  109. Backer, Lorraine C; Fleming, Lora E; Rowan, Alan; Cheng, Yung-Sung; Benson, Janet; Pierce, Richard H; Zaias, Julia; Bean, Judy; Bossart, Gregory D (March 2003). "Recreational exposure to aerosolized brevetoxins during Florida red tide events". Harmful Algae. 2 (1): 19–28. Bibcode:2003HAlga...2...19B. doi:10.1016/s1568-9883(03)00005-2. ISSN   1568-9883.
  110. 1 2 Pierce, R. H.; Henry, M. S. (2008). "Harmful algal toxins of the Florida red tide (Karenia brevis): Natural chemical stressors in South Florida coastal ecosystems". Ecotoxicology. 17 (7): 623–631. Bibcode:2008Ecotx..17..623P. doi:10.1007/s10646-008-0241-x. PMC   2683401 . PMID   18758951.
  111. Pierce, R.H., M. S. Henry. "Harmful algal toxins of the Florida red tide (Karenia brevis): natural chemical stressors in South Florida coastal ecosystems." Ecotoxicology 2008; 623–631.
  112. 1 2 Watkins, Sharon M.; Reich, Andrew; Fleming, Lora E.; Hammond, Roberta (2008). "Neurotoxic Shellfish Poisoning". Marine Drugs. 6 (3): 431–455. doi: 10.3390/md20080021 . PMC   2579735 . PMID   19005578.
  113. 1 2 "Red Tide FAQ – Is it safe to eat oysters during a red tide?". www.tpwd.state.tx.us. Retrieved 2009-08-23.
  114. Van Dolah, F. M. (2000). "Marine algal toxins: Origins, health effects, and their increased occurrence". Environmental Health Perspectives. 108 (Suppl 1): 133–141. doi:10.1289/ehp.00108s1133. JSTOR   3454638. PMC   1637787 . PMID   10698729.
  115. 1 2 Backer et al., Lorraine C., Laura E. Flemming, Alan Rowan. "Recreational exposure to aerosolized brevetoxins during Florida red tide events." Harmful Algae 2 (2003): 19–28. 6 March 2018.
  116. Fleming LE, Kirkpatrick B, Backer LC, et al. Initial evaluation of the effects of aerosolized Florida red tide toxins (brevetoxins) in persons with asthma. Environ Health Perspect. 2005;113:650–657.
  117. "Harmful Algal Bloom Operational Forecast System". www.tidesandcurrents.noaa.gov/hab/. Archived from the original on 2012-02-17. Retrieved 2012-02-14.
  118. "Vt. Beaches Reopen After Algae Blooms Clear", NECN, July 15, 2016
  119. "Algae is blooming in waterways all around the country", Florida Today, July 22, 2016
  120. "Lethal algae take over beaches in northern France", The Guardian, U.K., August 10, 2009
  121. 1 2 3 "Algal bloom and its economic impact", European Commission Joint Research Centre, 2016
  122. 1 2 "China: Yellow Sea turns green as Qingdao beaches are covered in algae", International Business Times, July 7, 2015
  123. "China hit by largest-ever algae bloom", Phys.org, July 4, 2013
  124. "Slimy green algae is taking over China's beaches for an alarming reason", Business Insider, July 13, 2015
  125. 1 2 3 4 5 "Oceanic Dead Zones Continue to Spread", Scientific American, August 15, 2008
  126. Miner, Colin (2009-11-27). "Assessing Algal Blooms' Economic Impact". New York Times. Green: Energy, the Environment and the Bottom Line (blog).
  127. "What is a harmful algal bloom?". Washington, D.C.: U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). 2016-04-27.
  128. "Estimated Annual Economic Impacts from Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs) in the United States", Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, September 2000
  129. Sanseverino, Isabella (2016). Algae bloom and its economic impact. Europe: JRC publications. pp. 23, 26, 27. ISBN   978-92-79-58101-4.
  130. "Biggest-ever toxic algal bloom hits West Coast, shutting down shellfish industries", Oregon Live, June 16, 2015
  131. "Toxic algae bloom in Pacific Ocean could be largest ever", CBS News, June 17, 2015
  132. Algae Blooms in fish farming, Farmed and Dangerous.org
  133. "One Of The U.S.'s Top Salmon Providers Just Lost Millions Of Salmon", Climate Progress, March 10, 2016
  134. Joyce, S. (2000-03-01). "The dead zones: oxygen-starved coastal waters". Environmental Health Perspectives. 108 (3): A120–A125. doi:10.1289/ehp.108-a120. PMC   1637951 . PMID   10706539.
  135. "Toxic Algal Blooms Aren't Just Florida's Problem. And They're On The Rise.", Huffington Post, July 7, 2016
  136. 1 2 "Fish Kills due to Harmful Algal Blooms", Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute
  137. 1 2 3 "23 Million Salmon Dead Due to Toxic Algal Bloom in Chile", EcoWatch, March 10, 2016
  138. Brown, Lester R. Plan B 4.0: Mobilizing to Save Civilization Archived 2014-12-26 at the Wayback Machine , Earth Policy Institute, p. 227
  139. 1 2 "Brazil removes 50 tons of dead fish from Olympic waters", Aljazeera, April 21, 2015
  140. Tim Stephens, Large bloom of toxic algae under way in Monterey Bay and beyond, UC Santa Cruz (June 2, 2015).
  141. "Kamensk local authorities have hired contractors to clean up mountains of dead fish from the beaches", July 18, 2016
  142. "Fish kills reported in the Palafitos", W Radio, July 17, 2016
  143. "Thanh Hoa: Locals wear masks as smell from dead fish overpowering", Vietnam.net, July 19, 2016
  144. "Hongze Lake Suqian great, full of dead fish breeding area", Modern Express Network, July 6, 2016
  145. "Massive fish kill in Quebec's Yamaska River puzzle scientists", Digital Journal, July 4, 2016
  146. "Scores of starfish wash ashore in Turkey's northwest", Hurriyet Daily News, June 28, 2016
  147. "90 Tons of Fish Die Darma Masal" Archived 2016-08-16 at the Wayback Machine , Radar Cirebon, June 2, 2016
  148. "Maine-et-Loire: Thousands of fish suffocated with the decline", France TV, June 18, 2016
  149. "Unseasonal Toxic Algae Bloom In California Lake Kills Three Dogs", Climate Progress, Feb. 2, 2015
  150. 1 2 "Harmful Algal Blooms Can Be Deadly to Pets and Livestock", Ohio Environmental Protection Agency
  151. "Blue-green algal poisoning of stock" Archived 2018-06-20 at the Wayback Machine , Agriculture Victoria
  152. "Over 50 percent of unusual marine mammal mortality events are caused by harmful algal blooms". Coastal Ecosystem Research. NOAA. 2007-02-13.
  153. "Harmful Algal Blooms" (PDF). State of the Coastal Environment. NOAA. 2000-02-15. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2011-07-27. Retrieved 2016-07-24.
  154. "Red Tide Algae Bloom Kills Record Number of Manatee" Archived 2016-08-16 at the Wayback Machine , Accuweather, March 13, 2013
  155. "Algal Blooms Linked to Largest Die-Off of Great Whales Ever Recorded", EcoWatch, Oct. 29, 2015
  156. "Toxic algae suspected in whale death", Nature, August 4, 2003
  157. "30 Dead Whales Wash Ashore In Alaska; Scientists Commence Investigations", Nigerian News, August 24, 2015
  158. "Toxic Algae Could Be Killing Dozens of Whales", Inverse, Sept. 16, 2015
  159. 1 2 "Foam from ocean algae bloom killing thousands of birds", Oregon Live, October 22, 2009
  160. Gramling C. (2017). "Toxic algae may be culprit in mysterious dinosaur deaths". Science. 357 (6354): 857. Bibcode:2017Sci...357..857G. doi:10.1126/science.357.6354.857-a. PMID   28860363.
  161. Pyenson, N. D.; Gutsein, C. S.; Parham, J. F.; Le Roux, J. P.; Chavarria, C. C.; Little, H.; Metallo, A.; Rossi, V.; Valenzuela-Toro, A. M.; Velez-Juarbe, J.; Santelli, C. M.; Rogers, D. R.; Cozzuol, M. A; Suárez, M. E. (2014). "Repeated mass strandings of Miocene marine mammals from Atacama Region of Chile point to sudden death at sea". Proceedings of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences. 281 (1781). doi: 10.1098/rspb.2013.3316 . PMC   3953850 . PMID   24573855. Supplemental Material
  162. 1 2 Flewelling, L. J.; et al. (2005). "Red tides and marine mammal mortalities". Nature . 435 (7043): 755–756. Bibcode:2005Natur.435..755F. doi:10.1038/nature435755a. PMC   2659475 . PMID   15944690.
  163. 1 2 Durbin E et al. (2002) North Atlantic right whale, Eubalaena glacialis, exposed to paralytic shellfish poisoning (PSP) toxins by a zooplankton vector, Calanus finmarchicus. Harmful Algae I, : 243–251 (2002)
  164. Walsh, C. J.; et al. (2010). "Effects of brevetoxin exposure on the immune system of loggerhead sea turtles". Aquatic Toxicology. 97 (4): 293–303. doi:10.1016/j.aquatox.2009.12.014. PMID   20060602.
  165. "Red Tide FAQ - Is it safe to eat oysters during a red tide?". Tpwd.state.tx.us. Retrieved 2009-08-23.
  166. US Department of Commerce, N. O. and A. A. (NOAA). (2019, April 2). What is Eutrophication? NOAA's National Ocean Service. Retrieved July 9, 2022, from https://oceanservice.noaa.gov/facts/eutrophication.html
  167. Brand et al., Larry E., Lisa Campbell, Eileen Bresnan. "Karenia: The biology and ecology of a toxic genus." Harmful Algae 14 (2012): 156–178. 6 March 2018.
  168. Forrester et al., Donald J., Jack M. Gaskin, Franklin H. White. "AN EPIZOOTIC OF WATERFOWL IN FLORIDA." Journal of Wildlife Diseases 13 (1997): 160–167.
  169. "Red Tide & Red Algae Effects". 2015.
  170. "Top 10 Red Tide Facts" (PDF). Florida Department of Health. 2016.
  171. Hall-Scharf , B., & Ubeda , A. J. (2019, October 3). SG188/SG188: How red tides impact manatees. Retrieved July 10, 2022, from https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/SG188
  172. Landsberg, J.H.; Flewelling, L.J.; Naar, J. (March 2009). "Karenia brevis red tides, brevetoxins in the food web, and impacts on natural resources: Decadal advancements". Harmful Algae. 8 (4): 598–607. Bibcode:2009HAlga...8..598L. doi:10.1016/j.hal.2008.11.010. ISSN   1568-9883.
  173. {{ cite Walsh, C. J., Butawan, M., Yordy, J., Ball, R., Flewelling, L., de Wit, M., & Bonde, R. K. (2015). Sublethal red tide toxin exposure in free-ranging manatees (Trichechus manatus) affects the immune system through reduced lymphocyte proliferation responses, inflammation, and oxidative stress. Aquatic Toxicology, 161, 73-84 }}
  174. White, A. W. "Sensitivity of Marine Fishes to Toxins from the Red-Tide Dinoflagellate Gonyaulax excavata and Implications for Fish Kills." Marine Biology 65 (1981): 255–260. 6 March 2018.
  175. Cook, P.F.; Reichmuth, C. (2015). "Algal toxin impairs sea lion memory and hippocampal connectivity, with implications for strandings". Science. 350 (6267): 1545–1547. Bibcode:2015Sci...350.1545C. doi:10.1126/science.aac5675. PMID   26668068. S2CID   22981507.
  176. 1 2 3 Biello, David. "Deadly Algae Are Everywhere, Thanks to Agriculture", Scientific American, August 8, 2014
  177. Siegel, Seth M. Let There Be Water: Israel's Solution for a Water-Starved World, Macmillan (2015) p. 66
  178. "Israel: Innovations overcoming water scarcity", OECD Observer, April 2015
  179. "How Israel survived its devastating drought", San Diego Union-Tribune, June 16, 2015
  180. 1 2 3 Larsen, Janet. "Dead Zones Increasing in the World's Coastal Waters", Earth Policy Institute, June 16, 2004
  181. Jeke, Nicholson N.; Zvomuya, Francis; Cicek, Nazim; Ross, Lisette; Badiou, Pascal (September 2015). "Biomass, Nutrient, and Trace Element Accumulation and Partitioning in Cattail (Typha latifolia L.) during Wetland Phytoremediation of Municipal Biosolids". Journal of Environmental Quality. 44 (5): 1541–1549. Bibcode:2015JEnvQ..44.1541J. doi: 10.2134/jeq2015.02.0064 . ISSN   0047-2425. PMID   26436271.
  182. Cicek, N.; Lambert, S.; Venema, H.D.; Snelgrove, K.R.; Bibeau, E.L.; Grosshans, R. (June 2006). "Nutrient removal and bio-energy production from Netley-Libau Marsh at Lake Winnipeg through annual biomass harvesting". Biomass and Bioenergy. 30 (6): 529–536. Bibcode:2006BmBe...30..529C. doi:10.1016/j.biombioe.2005.12.009. ISSN   0961-9534.
  183. "The Floating Bioplatforms of IISD-ELA". IISD Experimental Lakes Area. 2015-10-01. Retrieved 2020-07-08.
  184. National Nonpoint Source Program: A catalyst for water quality improvements (Report). EPA. October 2016. EPA 841-R-16-009.
  185. "NPDES Permit Basics". National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System. EPA. 2018-07-25. By law, agricultural stormwater discharges and return flows from irrigated agriculture are not 'point sources.'
  186. Kozacek, Code (2016-07-20). "Algal Blooms Are No Accident For Florida Everglades and Estuaries". Circle of Blue. Traverse City, Michigan.
  187. "Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement". EPA. 2016-08-29.
  188. "Chesapeake Bay Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL)". EPA. 2017-02-09.
  189. "Ohio plan to restore Lake Erie won't mandate farming changes" Archived 2016-08-01 at the Wayback Machine , The Columbus Dispatch, July 27, 2016
  190. 1 2 3 "What is creeping into our lakes?", Greensburg Daily News, August 16, 2016
  191. 1 2 Zerrifi, Soukaina El Amrani; El Khalloufi, Fatima; Oudra, Brahim; Vasconcelos, Vitor (2018-02-09). "Seaweed Bioactive Compounds against Pathogens and Microalgae: Potential Uses on Pharmacology and Harmful Algae Bloom Control". Marine Drugs. 16 (2): 55. doi: 10.3390/md16020055 . ISSN   1660-3397. PMC   5852483 . PMID   29425153.
  192. 1 2 "Toxic algal blooms behind Klamath River dams create health risks far downstream", Oregon State University News, June 16, 2015
  193. 1 2 Liu, Yang; Cao, Xihua; Yu, Zhiming; Song, Xiuxian; Qiu, Lixia (2016-02-15). "Controlling harmful algae blooms using aluminum-modified clay". Marine Pollution Bulletin. 103 (1–2): 211–219. Bibcode:2016MarPB.103..211L. doi:10.1016/j.marpolbul.2015.12.017. ISSN   1879-3363. PMID   26763322.
  194. "Chippewa Lake becomes first testing site of new algae bloom technology produced by Israeli company", ABC News, Cleveland, OH August 27, 2019
  195. "Israeli Company Successfully Treats Roodeplaat Dam of Toxic Algae Blooms". Industry Leaders Magazine. 2020-04-27. Retrieved 2020-04-27.
  196. Liu, Yang; Cao, Xihua; Yu, Zhiming; Song, Xiuxian; Qiu, Lixia (2016-02-15). "Controlling harmful algae blooms using aluminum-modified clay". Marine Pollution Bulletin. 103 (1): 211–219. Bibcode:2016MarPB.103..211L. doi:10.1016/j.marpolbul.2015.12.017. ISSN   0025-326X. PMID   26763322.
  197. "Control and Treatment". Nutrient Policy and Data. EPA. 2017-03-02.
  198. Brumbaugh, R.D.; et al. (2006). "A Practitioners Guide to the Design & Monitoring of Shellfish Restoration Projects: An Ecosystem Approach. The Nature Conservancy, Arlington, Virginia" (PDF). Habitat.noaa.gov. Archived from the original (PDF) on 4 March 2016. Retrieved 2017-03-18.
  199. "Shinnecock Bay Restoration Program". Shinnecockbay.org. Retrieved 2017-03-18.
  200. "Delaware Oyster Gardening and Restoration - A Cooperative Effort" (PDF). Darc.cms.udel.edu. Archived from the original (PDF) on 4 March 2016. Retrieved 2017-03-18.
  201. "The Mobile Bay Oyster Gardening Program" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 25 May 2013. Retrieved 5 August 2017.
  202. 1 2 3 Richtel, Matt (2016-07-18). "A Dreaded Forecast for Our Times: Algae, and Lots of It". New York Times.
  203. "Keeping Tabs on HABs: New Tools for Detecting, Monitoring, and Preventing Harmful Algal Blooms", Environmental Health Perspectives, August 1, 2014
  204. "Keeping Tabs on HABs: New Tools for Detecting, Monitoring, and Preventing Harmful Algal Blooms", Environmental Health Perspectives, August 2014
  205. "Water System Security and Resilience in Homeland Security Research". EPA. 2016-12-20.
  206. Anderson, Donald M. (July 2009). "Approaches to monitoring, control, and management of harmful algal blooms (HABs)". Ocean and Coastal Management. 52 (7): 342–347. Bibcode:2009OCM....52..342A. doi:10.1016/j.ocecoaman.2009.04.006. PMC   2818325 . PMID   20161650.
  207. Wu, Di; Zhang, Feiyang; Liu, Jia (March 9, 2019). "A review on drone-based harmful algae blooms monitoring". Environmental Monitoring and Assessment. 191 (4): 211. Bibcode:2019EMnAs.191..211W. doi:10.1007/s10661-019-7365-8. PMID   30852736. S2CID   73725756.
  208. Kim, Jun Song; Seo, Il Won; Baek, Donghae (May 2018). "Modeling spatial variability of harmful algal bloom in regulated rivers using a depth-averaged 2D numerical model". Journal of Hydro-environment Research. 20: 63–76. Bibcode:2018JHER...20...63K. doi:10.1016/j.jher.2018.04.008. S2CID   134289465.
  209. Akbarnejad Nesheli, Sara; Quackenbush, Lindi J.; McCaffrey, Lewis (January 2024). "Estimating Chlorophyll-a and Phycocyanin Concentrations in Inland Temperate Lakes across New York State Using Sentinel-2 Images: Application of Google Earth Engine for Efficient Satellite Image Processing". Remote Sensing. 16 (18): 3504. doi: 10.3390/rs16183504 . ISSN   2072-4292.
  210. "US agencies creating algal bloom early warning system", Algae Industry Magazine, April 8, 2015
  211. "Remote Sensing Provides a National View of Cyanobacteria Blooms" Archived 2016-07-22 at the Wayback Machine , USGS
  212. "Scientists Develop Early-Warning System for Toxic Algae Blooms" Archived 2017-01-07 at the Wayback Machine , UVA Today, Univ. of Virginia, Jan. 4, 2017
  213. A historical assessment of Karenia brevis in the western Gulf of Mexico (PDF), 2018-08-16
  214. 1 2 "Log In or Sign Up to View" (PDF). lookaside.fbsbx.com. Retrieved 2018-07-21.
  215. 1 2 "PARALYTIC SHELLFISH POISONING (PSP)". Sabah Fish Department.com. Retrieved 2013-01-11.
  216. "Marine & Natural Resources – Red Tide & Fish Kill Resources – Taylor County Extension Office" . Retrieved 18 October 2016.
  217. Nelson, Bryan (2011-11-11). "What is causing the waves in California to glow? | MNN - Mother Nature Network". MNN. Retrieved 2017-03-18.
  218. Humanities, National Endowment for the (December 7, 1916). "The Punta Gorda herald. [volume] (Punta Gorda, Fla.) 1893-1958, December 07, 1916, Image 1" via chroniclingamerica.loc.gov.
  219. SHT Staff Writer (July 16, 2006). "Red-tide timeline". Sarasota Herald-Tribune. Archived from the original on 11 April 2022.
  220. "HAB 2000". Archived from the original on December 11, 2008.
  221. MacLean, J.L. (February 1974). "Shellfish Poisoning in the South Pacific" (PDF). South Pacific Commission.
  222. "HAB 2000". utas.edu.au. Archived from the original on 11 December 2008.
  223. 1 2 3 "Red tide warning". New Straits Times . 2013-01-06. Archived from the original on 2013-01-07. Retrieved 2013-01-07.
  224. 1 2 "2 Red Tide deaths in Sabah". Daily Express . 2013-01-06. Retrieved 2013-01-11.
  225. "Red Tides" (PDF). Retrieved October 3, 2020.
  226. Bowling, L.C.; Baker, P.D (1996). "Major Cyanobacterial Bloom in the Barwon-Darling River, Australia, in 1991, and Underlying Limnological Conditions". Marine and Freshwater Research. 47 (4): 643–657. doi:10.1071/MF9960643.
  227. "R/V Oceanus Archived Information" . Retrieved 18 October 2016.
  228. Moore, Kirk. "Northeast Oysters: The bigger danger, growers assert, would be the label of endangered". National Fisherman. Archived from the original on 2007-08-08. Retrieved 2008-07-31.
  229. Chrisafis, Angelique (10 August 2009). "Lethal algae take over beaches in northern France". The Guardian. London.
  230. "Iceland volcano ash cloud triggers plankton bloom". BBC News. 10 April 2013.
  231. Fimrite, Peter (2011-09-17). "Red tide killing abalone off California". The San Francisco Chronicle.
  232. "Texas Gulf Coast Sees Largest Algae Bloom in Over A Decade". Huffington Post. 2011-10-18.
  233. Jacobs, Andrew (5 July 2013). "Huge Algae Bloom Afflicts Coastal Chinese City". The New York Times.
  234. 1 2 MUGUNTAN VANAR (2013-01-07). "Sabah issues red tide alert". The Star Online . Archived from the original on 2013-01-08. Retrieved 2013-01-07.
  235. McSwane, J. David. "UPDATE: Red tide, fish kill reported at Sarasota beaches". Archived from the original on 12 October 2015. Retrieved 18 October 2016.
  236. "A Dark Bloom in the South Atlantic: Image of the Day". Earthobservatory.nasa.gov. 2014-01-30. Retrieved 2017-03-18.
  237. Tanber, George (2014-08-02). "Toxin leaves 500,000 in northwest Ohio without drinking water". Reuters. Archived from the original on 24 September 2015. Retrieved 2017-03-18.
  238. Netburn, Deborah (11 August 2014). "Massive 'Florida red tide' is now 90 miles long and 60 miles wide". Orlando Sentinel. Retrieved 30 September 2015.
  239. Israel, Dale G. (June 25, 2015). "12 persons hospitalized in Bohol for red tide poisoning".
  240. "Rijkswaterstaat, do not swim between Katwijk and Scheveningen". Dutch Public Broadcasting, NOS. 3 August 2015. Retrieved 30 September 2015.
  241. "Red Tide in Texas, Current Status". Texas Parks and Wildlife. 15 September 2015. Retrieved 30 September 2015.
  242. "Algae, red tide impacting SWFL water quality". WINK NEWS. 2018-07-04. Retrieved 2018-07-05.
  243. Glenn, Julie. "Toxic Algae Blooms, Red Tide, and the Need for a Permanent Solution" . Retrieved 2018-07-05.
  244. "What forms of nutrients can Karenia brevis use to grow and bloom?". myfwc.com. Archived from the original on April 19, 2015. Retrieved 2018-08-14.
  245. "Red tide confirmed off Palm Beach in rare outbreak for Florida's east coast". Miami Herald .
  246. US Department of Commerce, NOAA. "Lake Erie Harmful Algal Bloom". www.weather.gov. Archived from the original on 12 August 2019. Retrieved 2019-08-22.
  247. 1 2 Sacheli, Sarah (8 August 2019). "UWindsor researchers test the waters for harmful algae bloom". DailyNews. University of Windsor. Archived from the original on 12 August 2019.
  248. 1 2 Hill, Sharon (7 August 2019). "Large Lake Erie algal bloom nearing Colchester tested for toxicity". Windsor Star. Archived from the original on 11 August 2019. Retrieved 22 August 2019.
  249. The Hindu Net Desk (2019-08-19). "What caused the blue glow on Chennai beaches?". The Hindu. ISSN   0971-751X . Retrieved 22 August 2019.
  250. "Pinellas County already matches 2018 fishkill by cleaning up over 3 million pounds of dead fish". WFTS. 2021-07-23. Retrieved 2021-07-27.
  251. "National Weather Service issues beach hazard statement over red tide concerns". wtsp.com. 23 July 2021. Retrieved 2021-07-27.
  252. "North East coast shellfish deaths blamed on harmful algae". BBC News. 3 February 2022. Retrieved 13 November 2022.
  253. "Update on investigation into the deaths of crabs and lobster in the North East". GOV.UK. 3 February 2022. Retrieved 13 November 2022.
  254. "Lough Neagh: What does future hold for UK's largest freshwater lake?". BBC News. 10 September 2023. Retrieved 13 September 2023.
  255. "How Florida's Toxic Algae is Choking the Economy And The Environment", Nature World News, July 19, 2016
  256. "Florida Tourism Not Seeing Green as Toxic Algae Chokes Business", NBC News, July 11, 2016
  257. "Toxic algae driving away Florida beachgoers", CNBC, July 5, 2016
  258. Wang, Mengqiu (July 2019). "The great Atlantic Sargassum belt". Science. 365 (6448): 83–87. Bibcode:2019Sci...365...83W. doi: 10.1126/science.aaw7912 . PMID   31273122. S2CID   195804245.
  259. Taylor, Alexandra (September 2019). "Sargassum is strangling tourism in the Caribbean. Can scientists find a use for it?". Chemical & Engineering News. Retrieved April 21, 2021.
  260. 1 2 3 4 Fleming, L.E.; Kirkpatrick, B.; Backer, L.C.; Walsh, C.J.; Nierenberg, K.; Clark, J.; et al. (2011). "Review of Florida red tide and human health effects". Harmful Algae. 10 (2): 224–233. Bibcode:2011HAlga..10..224F. doi:10.1016/j.hal.2010.08.006. PMC   3014608 . PMID   21218152.
  261. Abraham and Baden, 2006; Backer et al., 2003a, 2005a; Backer and Fleming, 2008; Fleming et al., 2001; Fleming et al., 2004; Okamoto and Fleming, 2005; Twiner et al., 2008; Zaias et al., 2010.
  262. "Red Tide (Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning)" (PDF). Boston, MA: Massachusetts Department of Public Health. 2015.
  263. Sharifan, Hamidreza; Ma, Xingmao (2017-08-31). "Potential Photochemical Interactions of UV Filter Molecules with Multichlorinated Structure of Prymnesins in Harmful Algal Bloom Events". Mini-Reviews in Organic Chemistry. 14 (5). doi:10.2174/1570193x14666170518124658.
  264. "Scientists eye increase in harmful algae in Chesapeake", The Baltimore Sun, May 8, 2015
  265. "Too Much Nitrogen and Phosphorus Are Bad for the Bay" Archived 2016-07-28 at the Wayback Machine , Chesapeake Bay Foundation, 2016
  266. "Massive Nitrogen Pollution Accompanies China's Growth", Scientific American, Feb. 27, 2013
  267. "On Lake Taihu, China Moves To Battle Massive Algae Blooms", Environment 360, Yale University, July 21, 2011
  268. "Wastewater Pollution Reduction in the Chesapeake Bay Watershed". EPA. 2016-07-27.
  269. "Chesapeake Bay TMDL Fact Sheet". EPA. 2016-09-29.
  270. "Toledo water crisis must spark serious environmental reforms, just as the burning Cuyahoga did, experts say". 2014-08-05.
  271. "Toxic Lake Erie algal blooms "reversible" experts say... But only if we stop the blame game and work together". 2014-10-04.
  272. International Joint Commission; Lake Erie Ecosystem Priority (LEEP) (2014). A balanced diet for Lake Erie: Reducing phosphorus loadings and harmful algal blooms (PDF) (Report). Washington, District of Columbia. ISBN   978-1-927336-07-6. Archived from the original (PDF) on August 10, 2018.
  273. International Joint Commission (2014). "Introducing the Report of the Lake Erie Ecosystem Priority (LEEP): highlights". ijc.com. Archived from the original on 2018-08-06. Retrieved 2018-08-08.
  274. "Joint U.S.-Canada Agency Calls for Big Phosphorus Reductions in Lake Erie". March 2014.
  275. Associated Press (15 August 2013). "Scientists: 'Dead zone' showing up in waters of Green Bay". Twin Cities Pioneer Press. (UPDATED: November 7, 2015). Archived from the original on August 18, 2020.
  276. Havens, Karl; Li, Bai-Lian; Philips, Edward (May 1998). "Light availability as a possible regulator of cyanobacteria species composition in a shallow subtropical lake". Freshwater Biology. 39 (3): 547–556. Bibcode:1998FrBio..39..547H. doi:10.1046/j.1365-2427.1998.00308.x via Researchgate.
  277. "Dr. Zack Jud On The Toxic Algae Crisis". Stuart Magazine. Retrieved 2019-06-13.[ permanent dead link ]
  278. Gomez, Melissa (9 July 2018). "Algae bloom in florida prompts fears about harm to health and economy". The New York Times. Retrieved 30 August 2018.
  279. Di Liberto, Tom (16 August 2018). "Harmful algal blooms linger in parts of southern Florida in July and August 2018". NOAA. Retrieved 30 August 2018.
  280. 1 2 Alcock, Frank (August 2007). "An assessment of Florida red tide: causes, consequences, and management strategies" (PDF). Mote Marine Technical Report. 1190 via Mote Marine Laboratory.
  281. Murphy, Paul (23 August 2018). "Florida's red tide has produced 2,000 tons of dead marine life and cost businesses more than $8 million". CNN. Retrieved 30 August 2018.
  282. "Toxic algae spreads in Baltic waters in biggest bloom in years". Reuters. August 2018. Retrieved November 20, 2021.
  283. "Lethal algae blooms – an ecosystem out of balance". TheGuardian.com . 4 January 2020. Retrieved November 20, 2021.
  284. "EUTROPHICATION IN THE BALTIC SEA" . Retrieved November 20, 2021.