toxic algal blooms
Harmful aquatic proliferation
Toxic algal blooms are rapid overgrowths of algae in water bodies that produce harmful toxins.
They occur when nutrient pollution—typically from agricultural runoff or sewage—triggers explosive algae reproduction in lakes, rivers, or coastal waters.
These blooms can poison drinking water, kill fish, and sicken humans and animals who swim in or consume contaminated water.
Also called harmful algal blooms or HABs: The lake was closed due to a toxic algal bloom.
- dead zonesAreas lacking life or signal
- neurotoxinsPoisons targeting nervous systems
- bioremediationLiving organisms detoxify pollutants
- fish populationsAquatic animal group sizes
- eutrophicationExcess nutrients depleting oxygen
fish kills · dead fish · hypoxia · buffer zones · zooplankton · oxygen depletion · shellfish poisoning · industrial pollution · seabirds · bioaccumulation · chemical treatments · scum · gastrointestinal distress · slime · early warning systems · biodiversity loss · urbanization · green
toxic algal bloomsclean water
Uncontaminated hydration source
pristine waters · potable water · pure water · safe drinking water
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