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Toxic Algae Causes and Effects of Harmful Algal Blooms

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Title: Toxic Algae Causes and Effects of Harmful Algal Blooms


1
Toxic AlgaeCauses and Effects of Harmful Algal
Blooms
  • Ali Jardaneh
  • ABE 4660
  • Dr. Dave Chynoweth
  • Spring 2002

2
What are Algae?
  • Chlorophyll-containing organisms referred to as
    plants by some and protists by others
  • Found everywhere seas, rivers, lakes, soils
  • Most are harmless
  • Form a integral component in base of the food
    chain

3
Toxic Algae
  • Algae that produces toxins
  • A few cells per liter can produce harmful toxic
    effects
  • Adversely affect overall environmental ecology

4
Harmful Algal Blooms (HAB)
  • Algal blooms phenomena that contain toxins or
    that cause negative impacts

Three Characteristics
  • Toxic effects on organisms
  • Physical impairment of fish
  • Nuisance conditions from odors or discoloration
    of waters or habitats

5
Relevance Impacts of Toxic Algae on Ecology
  • Aquatic life often killed by toxins
  • If not killed, toxins accumulate in organs
  • Toxins progress up the food chain via predator
    consumption of toxin-containing organisms
  • Economical Effects

6
Three Ways Algal Toxins Kill Aquatic Life
  • Algal toxins themselves poison aquatic life
  • Micro-algae with sharp spines physically damage
    gills of aquatic life leading to death
  • Decrease in oxygen levels due to algae blooms
    (eutrophication)

7
Ecological Cycle of Algal Toxins
8
Public Health Problems Associated with Toxic Algae
9
Result of Saxitoxins
10
Result of Brevetoxins
11
Results of Pfiesteria toxin
12
Red Tide off Coast of California
13
Cyanobacteria (Blue-green algae)
  • Increasing concern due to more blooms
  • Most saltwater cyanobacteria non-toxic
  • 30-50 of freshwater considered non-toxic
  • Poses water problems for humans and livestock
  • Toxins categorized as
  • Hepatotoxins (attack liver)
  • Neurotoxins (attack nervous system)

14
Bloom Prevention
  • Problems with herbicides
  • Some herbicides toxic to aquatic life
  • Copper products most effective but affect fish
    and aquatic mammals at levels near levels used to
    control algae
  • Herbicide Usage
  • Two types used to control algae
  • Copper Sulfate
  • Diquat

15
Other Preventative Measures
  • Reduction in nitrogen and phosphorous based
    fertilizers as these elements provide nutrients
    to algae
  • Routine monitoring of lakes and rivers

16
Conclusions
  • Increase awareness of toxin-producing algae
  • Implement preventative measures of Harmful Algal
    Blooms
  • Routine monitoring of lakes and rivers
  • Control fertilizer usage

17
Research Needs
  • Broaden understanding of toxic algae impact on
    local and regional ecosystems
  • Research toxic cyanobacteriaas more blooms are
    becoming evident globally

18
QUESTIONS ?
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