Local and federal agencies usually monitor Lake Erie for the toxin microcystin, which comes from harmful algal blooms. A new study shows the blooms make a wider range of bioactive cyanopeptides that are not tracked by regular monitoring.
Researchers used water samples from four NOAA stations in western Lake Erie. Samples were taken each month from spring to fall over several years. Scientists analysed microbial DNA to find which bacteria were present and which compounds they made.
The lead researcher described three seasonal phases when different compounds appear. Lab tests exposed three human cell lines (lung, liver, kidney) to microcystins and anabaenopeptins. Tests showed anabaenopeptins can be as toxic as some microcystins and mixtures increased effects. Health risks for people and animals remain unclear.
Difficult words
- monitor — watch a place or thing over timemonitoring
- toxin — a poisonous substance made by organisms
- bloom — a large growth of algae in waterblooms
- cyanopeptide — a chemical group made by cyanobacteria in bloomscyanopeptides
- microcystin — a toxin produced by some freshwater cyanobacteriamicrocystins
- anabaenopeptin — a compound made by cyanobacteria that can harm cellsanabaenopeptins
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- Have you ever seen an algal bloom in a lake or river? Describe what you saw.
- Why is it important to monitor lake water for toxins?
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