Toxins and Harmful Algal Blooms Science Team

This study is a major step forward in understanding how harmful algal blooms, which are often associated with lakes and rivers, can also affect coastal environments. It provides important baseline information for scientists, public health officials, and environmental managers.

Management of state natural resources is a collaborative effort between state governments, federal agencies, tribal governments, and local stakeholders. USGS Eastern Ecological Science Center (EESC) supports state-led wildlife management with research that clarifies complex issues, enhances scientific quality and communication, broadens solution options, and enables cost-sharing and mutual...

Research at the USGS Eastern Ecological Science Center (EESC) supports understanding of the connection between ecosystem health and the quality and availability of America's food and water. USGS studies help monitor and assess the health of terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems, species populations, water quality, and contaminants affecting health and habitats. Information gained through this...

Harmful algal blooms (HABs) pose significant risks to public health and the environment by producing dangerous toxins like microcystin-LR (MC-LR), which can exceed safety limits in drinking water. Research by the U.S. Geological Survey, The Ohio State University, and Boise State University evaluated ultraviolet (UV) light treatments for reducing microcystin levels, comparing traditional UV254 with...

The USGS Environmental Health Program seeks to understand how environmental factors, especially contaminants and pathogens, influence human health and ecosystems. It focuses on studying the distribution and effects of toxic substances, environmental stressors, and their pathways. The program prioritizes collaboration with State, Federal and local governments; Tribes; non-government organizations...

About the Laboratory The Environmental Health Program collaborates with scientists at the Organic Geochemistry Research Laboratory (OGRL) in Lawrence, Kansas, to develop and employ targeted and non-targeted analytical methods for identification and quantitation of known and understudied algal/cyanobacterial toxins. The laboratory contructed in 2019 is a 2,500 square foot modern laboratory facility...

The Environmental Health Program integrates multidisciplinary research to tackle the environmental challenges that impact the nation's natural resource assets. By providing comprehensive research and data, the program assesses both actual and perceived risks associated with environmental contaminants and pathogens while supporting a variety of uses of our natural resources.

Harmful algal blooms (HABs) are a significant environmental concern due to their potential effects on health, ecosystems, and economies. Algal toxins, which are toxic compounds produced by certain species of cyanobacteria and algae, are commonly linked to these blooms. It's important to note that algal toxins can still be present even when a bloom is not visible, highlighting the need for ongoing...

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) is conducting studies to better understand algal bloom dynamics to enhance lake management. Recent research, in Lake Okeechobee, Florida, focused on phytoplankton community and abundance. Phytoplankton can be a potential driver of harmful algal blooms (HABs).

Managing harmful algal blooms in the Great Lakes requires understanding the roles of nitrogen, phosphorus, and micronutrients, emphasizing a comprehensive approach beyond just phosphorus reduction.

Plastic pollution is a significant global issue in aquatic ecosystems, with low-micrometer plastics (LMMPs) posing particular risks owing to their small size and prevalence in various environments. The U.S. Geological Survey and collaborators are developing an innovative sensor to detect and analyze LMMPs in freshwater systems, achieving rapid and accurate results without the need for additional...

In 2024, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) released a strategic vision document identifying harmful algal bloom (HAB) and algal toxin science gaps, while prioritizing research relevant to the mission, expertise, and capabilities of the USGS. The intention is for USGS and stakeholders to use this document as a starting point for planning, prioritizing, and designing future HAB and algal toxin...