Harmful Algal Blooms: Simple Plants With Toxic Implications Ranging from microscopic, single-celled organisms to large seaweeds, algae are simple plants that form the base of food webs. Sometimes, however, their roles are much more sinister. A small percentage of algal species produce toxins that can kill fish, mammals, and birds, and may cause human illness. Other algae are nontoxic, but clog the gills of fish and invertebrates or smother corals and submerged aquatic vegetation. Others discolor water, form huge, smelly piles on beaches, or cause drinking water and fish to taste bad. This deep red harmful algae, called Lingulodinium polyedrum, often produces brightly colored water discoloration. It has been associated with fish and shellfish mortality events, but its threat to human health is still being evaluated. (photo credit: Kai Schumann, California Department of Public Health volunteer)
Posted on: Thu, 30 Jan 2014 10:31:34 +0000
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