Monitor algae blooms

Blue-green algae, also known as cyanobacteria are tiny organisms that in warm, nutrient-rich (high in phosphorus and nitrogen) water, can multiply quickly, creating blooms that spread across the water’s surface. These blooms can steal the oxygen and nutrients other organisms need to live and create toxins.

After participating in this activity, you should be able to...

• Explain why algae blooms in fresh waterbodies are commonly due to cyanobacteria, which have the potential to produce toxins that affect humans, pets, and our ecosystems.

• Use the BloomWatch app on your Smartphone to take photos of potential blooms and submit them to the project.

• Help pinpoint where and when these organisms may be causing issues.

Watch these for some background...

Contact(s)

Is your group ready to pitch in?

Steve Lundt, Senior Water Quality Scientist, Office: 303-286-3272, Mobile: 303-204-8057, MetroWaterRecovery.com, SLundt@metrowaterrecovery.com