The EcoNews Report

About Those Organic Toxins Found in the Mad River This Year

This week, we are joined by Jacobs Pounds of Blue Lake Rancheria Environmental Department, who recently detected toxic algae in the Mad River from Blue Lake to Arcata. Anatoxins are powerful neurotoxins produced by blue-green algae when populations explode or “bloom” during unusually warm, low-flow conditions. These toxins have been detected in other local rivers and across the West, but never before in the Mad River. With limited testing due to high costs, it’s best to avoid freshwater with visible algae mats, since these toxins have led to dog deaths and could be harmful to people, especially children.

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About Those Organic Toxins Found in the Mad River This Year