YSI Webinar | Monitoring for Harmful Algal Blooms

Harmful algal blooms (HABs) have increased in both frequency and intensity in the last two decades, driven by climate change and activities that introduce growth-stimulating nutrients into waterways.

Concerns related to freshwater HABs range from the innocuous but unpleasant taste and odor compounds that find their way into drinking water, to fish kills and algal toxins that are harmful to human health. These consequences have increased the pressure upon researchers, watershed managers, water utility operators and public health professionals to closely monitor for the onset of HABs and prepare to respond.

Dr. Stephanie A. Smith provides a basic overview of bloom-forming algae, including a review of the toxins that are of human health concern.