What Makes Blue-Green Algae Dangerous?—Speaking of Chemistry

↓↓ Full description and references below ↓↓

When the environmental conditions are right, blue-green algae (which are actually blue-green bacteria) can blossom into harmful algal blooms. These blooms can release all sorts of deadly poisons into the environment. In this episode, SOC’s Sophia Cai explains how human health could be at risk, with help from SOC’s structure-drawing extraordinaire, Lauren Wolf.

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Want more chemistry goodness? Check out these resources:

CyanoMap

Scientists debate the best way to tame toxic algal blooms | C&EN

Monitoring uncovers mysterious phosphorus pollution | C&EN

Cyanobacteria and Algae Blooms | CDC

Harmful Algal Blooms | EPA

A review on cylindrospermopsin | Environmental Science: Processes & Impacts

The Algae Is Coming, But Its Impact Is Felt Far From Water | NPR

Drinking Water Health Advisory for the Cyanobacterial Microcystin Toxins | EPA

Unauthorized Storage of Toxic Agents | Assassination Archives & Research Center

Speaking of Chemistry is brought to you by Chemical & Engineering News, the news magazine of the American Chemical Society..

[mthompson]

The picture of the frog shows it in duckweed, I believe, not algae. Duckweed is a flowering aquatic plant often confused with algae.

[skydivertyler]

I love learning about random chemicals, their effects, and their active groups.

[jackdolah]

Best science and most underrated channel on YouTube! Keep it up guys !

[capedluna]

Came here bc I was reading a hiking article and one location that was in a canyon, I think in Utah said drinking was dangerous bc of cyanotoxins.

[lewisdoherty]

With the high nitrogen and phosphorus in algae, I wonder what work has been done on the idea of skimming this algae and using it for furtilizer? I assume once decomposition begins, the various toxins degrade.

[portcullis]

The photo with the frog is a tiny flowering plant called duckweed (Lemna). This could confuse people as it is harmless to humans but can be annoying on garden ponds. It is really difficult to get a positive identification of blue- green algae. I was fishing at a small lake in Yorkshire (England) recently, and the surface was covered in algae (as it often is) due to eutrophication caused by agricultural runoff. As it was a pale green algae, I presumed that it was not the toxic blue-green algae. I had to handle it, as it kept clogging my lines as the wind kept moving it around the lake. It usually starts off as tiny dark green strands in early summer. As I have felt a bit unwell over the last two weeks (upset stomach), I am beginning to wonder whether the algae is a toxic species. Is there a way of being certain of the species and whether it is safe (other than sending a sample to a laboratory)?

[dm_nimbus]

Legendary structure drawing ability 🖖🏼

[Solitudelakemanagement]

Wow, great explanation Sophia! HABs can sneak up on those who don't know what to watch out for...cyanotoxin and saxatoxin... gnarly stuff!

[theultimatereductionist]

I love chemical names and chemical structure diagrams.

[rulerofthelight]

So is the cyanobacteria in my aquarium gonna kill me?

[CUBETechie]

But for what can they used especially the bloom? And is every algae blooms poisonous?

0:11 what algae can we see on this picture in the background? It looks beautiful.

[cintulator]

extreme smoothies for daring people...

[NeuroPulse]

Oh I saw it, I saw it way to close. I'm pretty sick now.

[WlyAbdulrahman]

I think this is the algae that is in Lake Maninjau right now, I'm worried if the ecosystem in Lake Maninjau is getting worse

[xSofaKingBadx]

The structure for cylindrospermopsin should have a cyclic guanidine group, not what is shown.

[ricwhk]

I have cyanobacteria in my fish tank at home. i always have cuts on my hands due to dryness and allergy. Is the cyanobacteria dangerous to me as I have cuts on my hands and touch the water? .

[rosedelgadoofcreativefunfo]

Loved this video. My class will make slime tomorrow and discuss this topic.

[dawnsolomon]

What can one do if they have this one in human blood Aphanizomenon ovalisporum (light micrograph)

[mattclinch]

What about the good oxygen producing algaes?

[snowymountainlive]

Can the algea be harmful if you cant see it while Swimming?