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2023 South Carolina Cyanotoxin Distribution Project
Bores, Emily South Carolina Department of Environmental Services, Bureau of Water, Aquatic Science Division
Bores, Emily
South Carolina Department of Environmental Services, Bureau of Water, Aquatic Science Division
Abstract
Harmful algal blooms (HABs) are an increasing concern in the United States and are generally caused by excessive growth of cyanobacteria, or blue-green algae. Cyanobacteria blooms can degrade water quality through increased water column turbidity that reduces light availability for ecologically important vegetation. Die-offs of these blooms can reduce oxygen levels that can lead to fish kills. Some cyanobacteria species produce toxins (cyanotoxins) that are harmful to humans, livestock, and wildlife. In high enough concentrations, algal blooms can also cause nuisance taste and odor issues in drinking water and increase the cost of water treatment. In 2018, the South Carolina Department of Environmental Services (SCDES, formerly Department of Health and Environmental Control) initiated the HABs Monitoring Program to investigate the effects that cyanotoxins have on human health and the environment within the State.
Issue Date
2025-01
Keywords
Algal blooms--South Carolina, Cyanobacterial toxins--South Carolina
Type
Document
Rights
Records, documents, and information made available by the agencies of the South Carolina state government or its subdivisions are made accessible through the South Carolina State Library Depository and are protected under U.S. Copyright law (Title 17, U.S.C.) and South Carolina state law (Title 30 and 60, S.C.C.L.). Distribution rights are determined by the agency or author and users should contact the aforementioned for more information.
Digitization Specifications
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