Is Cylindrospermopsis the only blue-green alga that can have health effects?
The toxic effects associated with Cylindrospermopsis are common to several other species of blue-green algae. There are more than 50 major types of freshwater blue-green algae, and about one-third of them can produce some form of toxins. Blue-green algae are a harmless, natural part of the water system in small numbers. But when they dominate the plant community, the algae can interfere with the ecological health and human use of the water by producing offensive taste and odor compounds and sometimes forming a thick scum on the surface. Decaying algae consume oxygen in the water, causing fish kills if oxygen levels drop too low. A scum of algae floating on the surface can shade out beneficial plants that provide habitat for fish and wildlife. What are the symptoms of toxic effects of blue-green algae? Symptoms of swallowing water with toxic amounts of substances produced by blue-green algae can include stomach or head aches, diarrhea, cough, respiratory distress, and eye or ear irritat
