Why are Algae Blooms Important?
Blooms are unsightly; and blue-green algal blooms may be toxic if ingested by wildlife, livestock or humans. How are Blue-Green Algal Blooms Toxic? There are two types of toxins produced by strains of blue-green algae: • Neurotoxins affect the nervous and respiratory systems and can cause muscle tremors, stupor, staggering, rapid paralysis, respiratory failure and often within 30 minutes death. Most frequently, animals are found dead close to the lake or pond. • Hepato-toxins affect the liver and cause a slow death, up to 36 hours or longer after drinking water contaminated with toxic strains of blue-green algae. The animals appear ill, may show jaundice (yellowing of the mucous membranes or the white of the eye), photo-sensitization (swelling and fluid under the skin, which may peel, especially in the unpigmented areas), or severe scouring. What are the Effects on Animals? If livestock or other domestic animals have no other source of drinking water, they may be poisoned by drinking w
