GLIN==> New Fact Sheet Provides Information about Harmful Algal Blooms in Ohio

New Fact Sheet Provides Information about Harmful Algal Blooms in Ohio

February 2, 2010

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 

COLUMBUS, OH - Farm pond owners and Lake Erie enthusiasts with questions
about harmful algal blooms (HABs) have a new fact sheet at their fingertips.
Harmful Algal Blooms in Ohio Waters, written in partnership with Ohio State
University Extension, the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency (OEPA), and
the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, offers an explanation of the
causes, identifying characteristics, and solutions for reducing or
preventing HABs like Microcystis, Plectonema, and Lyngbya.

"With HABs recently increasing throughout Ohio, we felt it was important to
not only get the information out to the public, but to show what they can do
to help prevent blooms from happening in the first place," says Eugene
Braig, Assistant Director of Ohio Sea Grant. 

An algal bloom is an abundant or excessive growth of algae. HABs are so
named because many produce poisons, or toxins, that can cause illness or
irritation-sometimes even death-in pets, livestock, and humans. They have
been found in Lake Erie, the Ohio River, and many inland Ohio water bodies,
but they can occur almost anywhere there is water.

Excess nutrients like phosphorus and nitrogen from watershed sources are
major contributing factors to HABs. Blooms may be minimized, and some
completely avoided, by reducing the nutrients and pollutants added to the
water, especially phosphorus and nitrogen. To decrease likelihood of
illness, the public is advised to avoid contact with waters that have HAB
advisories posted or anywhere the water is pea green, has a floating bright
green scum, or is generally discolored. Never allow family members or pets
to drink lake or river water, and be sure to rinse off after swimming in
natural waters.

To download the fact sheet, visit
www.ohioseagrant.osu.edu/_documents/publications/FS/FS-091HarmfulAlgalBlooms
InOhioWaters2010.pdf . Printed versions are also available at all Ohio Sea
Grant Extension offices and at the OEPA Division of Surface Water's Inland
Lakes Program.

###

 

Contact:

 

Eugene Braig, Assistant Director, Ohio Sea Grant, braig.1 at osu.edu,
614.247.6684

 

 

Stacy Brannan

Associate Editor

Ohio Sea Grant and Stone Laboratory

1314 Kinnear Road

Columbus, OH 43212

614.247.7109

brannan.16 at osu.edu

 

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