October 4 - October 10, 2019 - There were 10 reported site visits in the past week (10/04 - 10/10), with all 10 site visits resulting in samples collected. Dominant algal taxa and toxin results are available for nine of these sites. Algal bloom conditions were observed by the samplers at seven of the sites.
NOAA satellite imagery for Lake Okeechobee from 10/08 shows moderate bloom potential on the western third of the lake, with less than 10% coverage; however, there is limited visibility on the eastern half of the lake due to cloud cover. Imagery does not indicate any bloom activity in the estuaries, although portions of the estuaries are also obscured by cloud cover. The South Florida Water Management District collected samples at the S77 structure on 10/7 and S308 structure on 10/09. The S77 sample was dominated by microcystis aeruginosa, but no toxins were detected. The S308 sample had no dominant species or toxins detected in the sample. The Department of Environmental Protection collected Lake Okeechobee samples at three stations (Approach Channel, East of Observation Island and East of Observation Shoal). All three samples were dominated by microcystis aeruginosa, with total microcystins ranging from non-detect to trace amounts (0.55 parts per billion). No toxins were detected in four of the other five samples collected throughout Florida this week, with results still pending for the Lake Grace samples.
This is a high-level summary of the sampling events for the reported week. For all field visit and analytical result details, please refer the complete algal bloom map with data table by clicking the “Field and Lab Details” Quick Link from the Algal Bloom Dashboard. Different types of blue-green algal bloom species can look different and have different impacts. However, regardless of species, many types of blue-green algae can produce toxins that can make you or your pets sick if swallowed or possibly cause skin and/or eye irritation due to contact. We advise to stay out of water where algae is visibly present as specks, mats or water is discolored pea-green, blue-green or brownish-red. Additionally, pets or livestock should not come into contact with the algal bloom-impacted water, or the algal bloom material or fish on the shoreline.
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