As harmful algal blooms (HABs) continue to occur in Lake Erie, knowing more about the algae themselves will help us better prepare for HABs and protect our drinking water supplies.

Dr. Tom Bridgeman from The University of Toledo has been exploring through several research projects the detection of when HAB cells break open and release their toxins into the water, as well as research determining the vertical movement of different types of algae – such as green algae, cyanobacteria and diatoms – throughout the water column. The hope is that developing such instruments and data can help water treatment plants better identify the types and condition of the algae entering their intakes in near real-time so they can and rapidly adjust their treatment processes for improved safety and efficiency.