Flooding Could Contribute to Toxic Algae Bloom - FOX44 - Burlington / Plattsburgh News, Weather & Sports

Flooding Could Contribute to Toxic Algae Bloom

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One Lake Champlain expert said it could be a big year for toxic algae.

University of Vermont scientist Mary Watzin said flooding brought more sediment into the lake which toxic algae called blue green algae thrive on.

 But, there are other factors that also help algae like sunlight.

 With so much sediment in the water, it is difficult for the sun to shine through.

"Why I'm saying only could not absolutely will is because that phosphorus has to be available to the algae and all of the rest of the conditions need to be right," Watzin said.

So what is dangerous about blue green algae?

There are two different toxins that can give humans flu-like symptoms.

Fortunately, blue green algae does not peak until late summer.

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