Blue Green Algae Monitors - FOX44 - Burlington / Plattsburgh News, Weather & Sports

Blue Green Algae Monitors

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MISSISQUOI, Vt. -

Almost 500 sq miles of lake to cover makes it challenging for the Lake Champlain Committee to track blue green algae blooms. It's why they're asking for volunteers to help them.

"In the past we've been limited in how many monitors we can take on because every monitor was taking water quality samples to be analyzed in the lab," LCC scientist Mike Winslow said.

But now volunteers can just snap a picture and post their findings on the groups web site. Winslow leads training sessions meant to help teach monitors how to spot the potentially toxic bacteria.

"You're going to see kind of an oily texture on the water that's going to be green," Winslow said.

The observational reports could broaden the scope that can be monitored by the lake Champlain committee but part of the problem for the monitors is deciding exactly what is blue green algae. Many other forms of algae and pollen can easily be mistaken for blue green algae.

"That can be a challenge," volunteer monitor Martha Perry said.

"I get concerned when I see any kind of algae in the lake and I'm quick to think oh dear we're in trouble."

Trouble could be skin irritations and gastrointestinal problems and it's potentially lethal to dogs. It's why Winslow wants more volunteers to help.

To attend a training session or post your own monitoring report go to

http://www.lakechamplaincommittee.org/

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