Harmful Algal Blooms
Fact Sheet
2006-3147
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Abstract
What are Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs)?
Freshwater and marine harmful algal blooms (HABs) can occur anytime water use is impaired due to excessive accumulations of algae. HAB occurrence is affected by a complex set of physical, chemical, biological, hydrological, and meteorological conditions making it difficult to isolate specific causative environmental factors. Potential impairments include reduction in water quality, accumulation of malodorous scums in beach areas, algal production of toxins potent enough to poison both aquatic and terrestrial organisms, and algal production of taste-and-odor compounds that cause unpalatable drinking water and fish. HABs are a global problem, and toxic freshwater and (or) marine algae have been implicated in human and animal illness and death in over 45 countries worldwide and in at least 27 U.S. States (Yoo and others, 1995; Chorus and Bartram, 1999; Huisman and others, 2005).
Suggested Citation
Graham, J.L., 2007, Harmful algal blooms: U.S. Geological Survey Fact Sheet 2006-3147, 2 p., https://doi.org/10.3133/fs20063147.
ISSN: 2327-6932 (online)
Study Area
| Publication type | Report |
|---|---|
| Publication Subtype | USGS Numbered Series |
| Title | Harmful algal blooms |
| Series title | Fact Sheet |
| Series number | 2006-3147 |
| DOI | 10.3133/fs20063147 |
| Year Published | 2007 |
| Language | English |
| Publisher | U.S. Geological Society |
| Contributing office(s) | Kansas Water Science Center |
| Description | 2 p. |