Toxins, possible blue-green algae indicator showing up in local water quality samples

Remember that blue-green algae that ravaged the region last summer? 

It still hasn't gone away. Not completely. 

Water quality scientists and environmental groups are worried the seeds could be planted for another crippling bloom, as cyanobacteria is still being found in the Everglades system. 

"There's been measurable identifiable amounts and it's been consistently in our reports since last summer," said Rick Bartleson, a water quality scientist at the Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation on Sanibel. "So somewhere in the system we have not gotten rid of all of our cyanobacteria. And it's been warm, so it's probably been warm enough that a bloom might start early." 

The bacteria act like algae and are grouped in with what are known as harmful algal blooms, or HABs.

Last year's version left carpet-like algae mats several inches thick in many local canals. 

The local tourism, hotel and fishing guide industries were pounded by the bloom, which stretched from Lake Okeechobee to the mouth of the Caloosahatchee River. 

The toxins were high recently at a Lee County boat launch near State Road 31. 

"We did have that report this week that the microsystis in the river were elevated to 20 micrograms per liter at Davis Boat Ramp," Bartleson said. "So somewhere in the system we have not gotten rid of all of our cyanobacteria. We're still getting some cyanobacteria upstream."

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Microsystis is the type of cyanotoxin that was found in this latest algae bloom. It has been associated with liver damage and tumor growth. 

Besides being detected in water quality samples, a blue-green algae indicator called  phycocyanin has shown up at elevated levels in the river, levels that are much higher than they were this time last year. 

"Is that a predictor that will it will be worse or the next month or two, I don't know but it doesn't look good," said Calusa Waterkeeper John Cassani. "If we get an increase in water temperature, that could set it off again."

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers leaders have said recently that they expect another blue-green algae bloom on Lake Okeechobee this year. 

The Corps has been lowering Lake Okeechobee water levels in recent weeks in hopes of preventing the need for releases when and if an algae bloom does sprout on the lake. 

Releases have slowed in recent weeks. 

"We've been asking for less water because of the nutrient loading," Bartleson said. "If we have a cyanobacteria bloom in the lake, that's another reason for them to shut off or reduce the flows as low as they can." 

Excess nutrients flowing down the Caloosahatchee River feed blue-green algae blooms and likely contribute to the spread of red tide inshore, researchers say. 

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At times the Caloosahatchee River needs a certain amount of freshwater flow from Lake Okeechobee in order to balance the delicate estuary. 

Bartleson said the choice later this year may come down to whether or not to provide enough water to maintain the estuary or keep the water in the lake for the sake of public health. 

"If we get down where the cyano is in the lake and we want our 800 (cubic feet per second as measured at the W.P. Franklin Lock and Dam) to keep the tape grass alive, we have to decide, one or the other," Bartleson said. "I can see someone saying not to worry about the tape grass if people are breathing in airborne toxins."

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