The Chesapeake Bay Foundation has been dealing with algal blooms for years in many of Virginia’s waterways. This year’s summary report takes a new approach that categorizes a waterway as impaired for algal blooms based on recurring Virginia Department of Health warnings.
Algal blooms occur when nitrogen and phosphorus pollution, combined with warm water temperatures, fuel explosive growth of algae. Some species of algae can produce toxins, threatening the health of people, pets, fish, and shellfish.
Chesapeake Bay Media reports that new technology is allowing ShoreRivers to expand their algae monitoring program to get information out to the public faster. That can be lifesaving for animals and prevent serious illness in humans.
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