Related Experiment Video
Updated: Dec 26, 2025

Early Detection of Cyanobacterial Blooms and Associated Cyanotoxins using Fast Detection Strategy
Published on: February 25, 2021
Harmful Algal Bloom Toxins in Aerosol Generated from Inland Lake Water
Nicole E Olson1, Madeline E Cooke1, Jia H Shi1
1Department of Chemistry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States.
Abstract:
Harmful algal blooms (HABs) caused by cyanobacteria in freshwater environments produce toxins (e.g., microcystin) that are harmful to human and animal health. HAB frequency and intensity are increasing with greater nutrient runoff and a warming climate. Lake spray aerosol (LSA) released from freshwater lakes has been identified on lakeshores and after transport inland, including from lakes with HABs, but little is known about the potential for HAB toxins to be incorporated into LSA. In this study, freshwater samples were collected from two lakes in Michigan: Mona Lake during a severe HAB with microcystin concentrations (>200 μg/L) well above the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommended "do not drink" level (1.6 μg/L) and Muskegon Lake without a HAB (<1 μg/L microcystin). Microcystin toxins were identified in freshwater, as well as aerosol particles generated in the laboratory from Mona Lake water by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) at atmospheric concentrations up to 50 ± 20 ng/m3. Enrichment of hydrophobic microcystin congeners (e.g., microcystin-LR) was observed in aerosol particles relative to bulk freshwater, while enrichment of hydrophilic microcystin (e.g., microcystin-RR) was lower. As HABs increase in a warming climate, understanding and quantifying the emissions of toxins into the atmosphere is crucial for evaluating the health consequences of HABs.
Related Concept Videos
Types of Toxins
Air pollutants, primarily gases, pose significant threats to respiratory health, leading to conditions like hypoxia, lung cancer, and in extreme cases, death.
Environmental pollutants like...
Other Algae
Local Anesthetics: Adverse Effects
Once absorbed into the systemic circulation, local anesthetics can affect the organs that depend on the functioning of sodium...
Toxic Reactions: Overview
Toxicity falls into two primary categories: local and systemic.
Local toxicity appears at the exposure site, such as protein denaturation caused by caustic substances.
In contrast, systemic toxicity requires the toxic agent's absorption and distribution,...
Bioremediation
Anticholinesterase Agents: Poisoning and Treatment
Irreversible agents form a strong bond with the cholinesterase enzyme, making it inactive. The breakdown of the phosphorylated enzyme is...

