How do algal blooms and toxins affect the environment?
Toxic and nontoxic blooms disrupt and damage sensitive ecosystems. They alter the food web by blocking sun from submerged vegetation, reducing oxygen availability to other living species, and introducing toxicity that passes through the food chain. Toxicity and/or blooms disappear suddenly over time but can accumulate in fish and shellfish. Does cooking remove toxins from fish and shellfish? Cooking will not remove toxins from fish and shellfish. How are we exposed to blue-green algae? Exposure to blue-green algae can occur through ingestion of contaminated drinking water, food, or dietary supplements; contact with contaminated recreational waters; and inhalation of algal aerosols. What will happen if I ingest blue-green algae toxin? Swallowing even small amounts of blue-green algae toxin can result in flu-like symptoms including nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. In large amounts, algae toxins can damage the liver, kidneys, or nervous system. What will happen if I swim in a blue-green al
