Collecting Global Expertise to Address the Problem of Harmful Algal Blooms

Worshop held at Bowling Green State University titled: "Collecting Global Expertise to Address the Problem of Harmfull Algae Blooms"

PROBLEM:  In August 2014, the municipality of Toledo issued a “do not drink” advisory on their water supply which directly impacted over 500,000 residents and thousands of businesses throughout the region. This state of emergency arose from the presence of high levels of a potent liver toxin microcystin in the city’s water supply. The microcystin was produced by a large bloom of cyanobacteria (CHAB: cyanobacterial harmful algal bloom) that was localized to the region around the city’s water intake. In this emergency, toxin levels rose to 2.5 times the acceptable limit established for potable water by the World Health Organization.

Harmful algal blooms are not unique to Lake Erie – they are global phenomena that affect millions of people across the world.

The goal of this NSF and NOAA sponsored workshop is to discuss the current science on bloom formers and factors contributing to cyanobacterial blooms, along with identifying knowledge gaps regarding bloom prevention/remediation.  Additionally, discussion of case studies on current and prior remediation programs will help guide the development of a workshop paper that presents potential future strategies for bloom prevention, mitigation and long-term research goals.

For more information, please contact: George S. Bullerjahn at bullerj@bgsu.edu or  Robert Michael McKay at rmmckay@bgsu.edu