Toxic algae
Posted: Sat Aug 02, 2008 8:52 am
Toxic algae fouls Mona Lake
A type of algae that releases bacteria 100 times more toxic than cyanide is flourishing in West Michigan lakes, turning some waterways fluorescent green and forming layers of blue-green surface scum that resembles paint.
Scientists recently detected high levels of microcystin LR -- a natural but potentially deadly bacteria released by some types of blue-green algae known as microcystis -- in Muskegon, Mona and Bear lakes.
An algae scum on eastern Mona Lake earlier this month contained microcystin concentrations 220-fold higher than levels considered safe for recreational activities, according to tests conducted by scientists at Grand Valley State University's Annis Water Resources Institute.
http://blog.mlive.com/chronicle/2008/07 ... oblem.html
A type of algae that releases bacteria 100 times more toxic than cyanide is flourishing in West Michigan lakes, turning some waterways fluorescent green and forming layers of blue-green surface scum that resembles paint.
Scientists recently detected high levels of microcystin LR -- a natural but potentially deadly bacteria released by some types of blue-green algae known as microcystis -- in Muskegon, Mona and Bear lakes.
An algae scum on eastern Mona Lake earlier this month contained microcystin concentrations 220-fold higher than levels considered safe for recreational activities, according to tests conducted by scientists at Grand Valley State University's Annis Water Resources Institute.
http://blog.mlive.com/chronicle/2008/07 ... oblem.html