People should avoid the toxic algae-laden air and water in a part of Lake Okeechobee that’s in Martin County, which prompted a state water advisory July 31.
The cyanobacteria, more commonly called “blue-green algae,” contained 3.8 parts per billion of the toxin microcystin in a July 28 sample taken west of Southwest Conners Highway, on the west side of the Port Mayaca dam.
At 8 parts per billion, microcystin makes water too hazardous to touch, ingest or inhale for people, pets and wildlife, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. Microcystin is harmful to people, pets and wildlife to touch, ingest or inhale when the level is 8 parts per billion, according to the EPA.
The toxic algae has been present since July 7, and DOH has issued weekly algal bloom advisories ever since.
Lake O’s level was less than 11 feet on July 31, so the Army Corps of Engineers is unlikely to discharge lake water into the St. Lucie canal and river. The agency typically wants the lake level about 12 feet by June 1 to make room for heavy summer rains.
Algae in Florida waters
The Florida Department of Environmental Protection collects water samples, which are analyzed at a laboratory, then publishes the results online at Protecting Florida Together or on DEP’s Algal Bloom Dashboard.
Algae is common in Florida’s freshwater environments. But a bloom occurs when rapid growth of algae leads to an accumulation of individual cells that discolor water and often produce floating mats that emit unpleasant odors.
Blooms can appear as various-colored scum, foam or paint on the water surface, but algae in the water may not always be visible.
Some environmental factors that contribute to blooms are sunny days, warm water temperatures, still water conditions, and excess nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus from urban development must mostly agricultural farms. Blooms can appear year-round but are more frequent in summer and fall.
Toxic algal bloom precautions
The DOH advises residents and visitors to take these precautions:
What do you do if you see an algal bloom?
For more information on toxic algae blooms
Tim O’Hara is TCPalm’s St. Lucie watchdog, environment and fisheries reporter. Contact him at tim.ohara@tcpalm.com.
This article originally appeared on Treasure Coast Newspapers: Florida DOH issues alert for continuing Lake Okeechobee toxic algae
Reporting by Timothy O’Hara, Treasure Coast Newspapers / Treasure Coast Newspapers
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Timothy O'Hara, Treasure Coast Newspapers | USA TODAY Network
