Toxic algae in Florida: Scientists warn of hidden dangers

FORT MYERS, Fla. - Every summer, blooms of toxic blue-green algae reappear across Florida, turning lakes and rivers bright green, blue or forming brown clumps. They pose a serious threat to public health, pets, and wildlife.

What we know:

Dr. Barry Rosen, an ecologist at Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU), has spent years collecting and studying samples.

"I have a collection of algae — cyanobacteria — that from around the country actually," he said, pulling out a sample from his lab. "This is a very thick culture of cylindrospermum… and it’s thriving."

Cyanobacteria emit different types of toxins — many still under investigation. The most common variety found in Florida ponds, Microcystis, produces microcystin, a known hepatotoxin that can damage the liver and kidneys.

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