Harmful algal blooms on Lake Erie produce toxins that can pose health risks to humans

Scientists successfully developed an experimental forecast that can better predict the timing and location of an elevated risk of toxins from harmful algal blooms (HABs) on Lake Erie, thanks to recent research from NOAA and a team of university collaborators.Harmful algal blooms on Lake Erie produce toxins, called microcystins, that can pose health risks to people and pets and may also require additional treatment from public drinking water systems. Bloom toxicity can vary widely depending on different biological and environmental factors, and cell abundance does not always correlate to bloom toxicity.