Toxicity in St. Johns River reaches 300x safe levels

By George Atchley

The recent proliferation of blue-green algae in the lower regions of the St. Johns River in the Jacksonville area is alarming. According to the St. Johns Riverkeeper, the toxin levels are at 300 times what is safe for recreational use.

What are the toxins?

The primary toxin in these readings is Microcystis aeruginosa, a freshwater cyanobacteria.

Effects on people and pets

Toxins produced by algae blooms can cause rashes, stomach cramps, nausea, diarrhea, and respiratory irritation. High or long-term exposure to toxins can affect the liver and nervous system. The St. Johns Riverkeeper advises the following:

• If skin contact occurs, wash off immediately and thoroughly with clean water and soap.

• Avoid areas where a bright green, paint-like scum appears on the surface of the water.

• Do not boat, swim or fish near an algae bloom.

What causes algae blooms?

Algae blooms are caused by nutrient (Nitrogen and Phosphorous) pollution. These elements occur naturally in the St. Johns River, but reach extreme levels through many sources:

• Septic tanks

• Industrial wastewater discharge and sewage spills

• Aquatic spraying

• Reclaimed water

• Atmospheric decomposition

• Runoff from overuse of commercial fertilizers in agricultural, urban and residential settings.

What can I do?

• Report algae blooms to https://floridadep.gov/AlgalBloom

• Email photos, time, date and location of algae blooms to report@sjrk.org.

• Report areas of dead fish to the Fish Kill Hotline 1-800-636-0511.

• Consider eliminating your conventional lawn fertilizer in favor of ClimateYard™ — the probiotic landscape solution that uses beneficial bacteria and subterranean fungi to keep yards healthy and vibrant.