What Makes Blue-Green Algae Dangerous?—Speaking of Chemistry

Pond scum is usually just a nuisance, but it can become dangerous. Check out the chemistry behind these harmful algal blooms. And don’t forget to subscribe! http://bit.ly/ACSReactions
↓↓ Full description and references below ↓↓

When the environmental conditions are right, blue-green algae (which are actually blue-green bacteria) can blossom into harmful algal blooms. These blooms can release all sorts of deadly poisons into the environment. In this episode, SOC’s Sophia Cai explains how human health could be at risk, with help from SOC’s structure-drawing extraordinaire, Lauren Wolf.

Check out the story behind this video: http://cen.acs.org/articles/94/i12/Scientists-debate-best-way-tame.html

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Want more chemistry goodness? Check out these resources:

CyanoMap
http://www.cyanomap.com/about

Scientists debate the best way to tame toxic algal blooms | C&EN
http://cen.acs.org/articles/94/i12/Scientists-debate-best-way-tame.html

Monitoring uncovers mysterious phosphorus pollution | C&EN
http://cen.acs.org/articles/94/web/2016/03/Monitoring-uncovers-mysterious-phosphorus-pollution.html

Blue-Green Algae: Iridescent but Deadly | The Atlantic http://www.theatlantic.com/health/archive/2012/09/blue-green-algae-iridescent-but-deadly/261794/

Cyanobacteria and Algae Blooms | CDC
http://www.cdc.gov/nceh/hsb/hab/

Harmful Algal Blooms | EPA
https://www.epa.gov/nutrientpollution/harmful-algal-blooms

A review on cylindrospermopsin | Environmental Science: Processes & Impacts
http://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlelanding/2013/em/c3em00353a#!divAbstract


The Algae Is Coming, But Its Impact Is Felt Far From Water | NPR
http://www.npr.org/2013/08/11/211130501/the-algae-is-coming-but-its-impact-is-felt-far-from-water

Drinking Water Health Advisory for the Cyanobacterial Microcystin Toxins | EPA
https://www.epa.gov/sites/production/files/2015-06/documents/microcystins-report-2015.pdf

Unauthorized Storage of Toxic Agents | Assassination Archives & Research Center
http://www.aarclibrary.org/publib/church/reports/vol1/html/ChurchV1_0006b.htm


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