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Article: Scientists monitor growing Lake Erie algae bloom
- Article from:
- AP Online
- Article date:
- September 20, 2008
CopyrightCopyright 2008 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. (Hide copyright information)
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Giant floating fields of algae are back in strength this year on Lake Erie and scientists are trying to figure out why.
The blooms of the pea-soup colored algae _ so big they've been showing on satellite photos _ are toxic to fish and small animals and irritating to humans. The lake once notorious for its pollution is cleaner than ever, yet the algae continues to thrive.
"Algae is a big deal, especially the microcystis, what is often called the blue-green algae," said Tom Bridgeman, a professor of environmental science at the University of Toledo's Lake Erie Center. "It's not aesthetically pleasing when it gets on boats or rots on the shore, but it can also ...