Toxic algae on the rise

LANSING, Mich. (WLNS)– Environmental experts warn people about toxic algae when visiting lakes and ponds for the rest of the summer.

Scientists say the heat and the rain we’ve experienced this month have contributed to the perfect conditions for these blooms to grow in the coming weeks.

Soldan Dog Park, located in Hawk Island Park, is one of Lansing’s popular dog parks, and many dogs are disappointed to see fenced-off ponds for the fourth year in a row.

“This will be the third year that they’ve closed the park… he always wants to go right around the corner to by the water and it’s the first thing she does is go into the water so Yeah, it was disappointing you can only go so far in there,” said dog owner Jim Hudson.

Ehsan Ghane, Ph.D Associate Professor of Agricultural Water Management and Water Quality says algae can cause major health issues, such as nausea, skin irritations, and breathing problems.

“One of those bacteria is cyanobacteria, which is the harmful blue-green algae that it’s called, that creates problems for society. And if it’s ingested, it could harm humans, pets. So it creates a lot of problems,” said Ghane.

The worst cases in kids and pets could lead to seizures, liver failure, and other severe neurologic damage.

“So to some extent it’s natural. But when there is extra nutrients like phosphorus ending up in the water—-And it’s too much phosphorus— then the algae just start to bloom and become so big, so widespread,” said Ghane.

There’s little regulation to stop the algae issue and right now, it is up to the individual farmers to have a water plan in place, but not everyone is doing that.

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