- Algae form harmful blooms in Lake Erie now.
- People usually watch for the toxin microcystin only.
- New study found many other toxic compounds too.
- Scientists call them other toxic compounds in water.
- Different compounds can appear and interact during season.
- Researchers tested effects on human lung liver kidney cells.
- Some other compounds were as toxic as microcystin.
- Mixtures of compounds made effects stronger in cells.
- Cell studies do not show clear human risk.
- Officials and scientists say more study is needed.
Difficult words
- alga — a simple plant that lives in waterAlgae
- bloom — a large growth of algae in waterblooms
- toxin — a chemical that can make people ill
- compound — a chemical made of two or more partscompounds
- toxic — able to harm people, animals, or cells
- mixture — two or more things together in one sampleMixtures
- cell — a very small part of a living bodycells
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- Have you seen algae in a lake or river?
- Would you swim in water with visible algae?
- Do you want scientists to study lake water more?
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