1 Harmful Algal Blooms: An Overview Anthony Prestigiacomo, Research Scientist Finger Lakes Watershed Hub Division of Water, Bureau of Water Assessment & Management NYSAC 2017 September 14, 2017 2 Presentation Outline 1. Cyanobacteria 2. Health concerns, briefly 3. Other harms 4. The DEC’s HABs Program 5. What causes HABs? 6. What to do about HABs? 33 1. Cyanobacteria 4 Cyanobacteria (a.k.a. Blue-green Algae) Anaebena –Cayuga Lake, July 2017 • Present in nearly every aquatic environment • Prokaryotic bacteria, numerous types/forms • Contain chlorophyll and blue-green pigments (phycocyanins) • Highly specialized and competitive: • gas vacuoles (moderate buoyancy) • fix nitrogen • produce toxins http://epa.ohio.gov 5 6 Acronym time: HABs H: Harmful production or potential to produce toxins A: Algal (ish) (freshwater HABs refer to cyanobacteria, not truly algae) B: Blooms: proliferation of cells, dense accumulations/concentrations 7 Characteristics of HABs: DEC Harmful Algal Blooms webpage: http://www.dec.ny.gov/chemical/77118.html Know it when you see it Avoid exposure! Spilled Paint Pea soup Keep children and pets away from scums or discolored water Streaks Dots/clumps 88 2. Health Concerns, briefly 9 Three Main Toxins Microcystins (liver toxin) • Most common toxin in New York Anatoxins (nerve toxin) • Potentially fatal to dogs Lipopolysacharides (endotoxins) • Skin irritants and allergens • Produced by most cyanobacteria Others 10 Routes of Exposure 1. Consumption: • drinking water, incidental swallowing (recreation) 2. Inhalation: • sprays, aerosols created during household use or recreation 3. Dermal exposure: • skin contact during swimming, fishing