Black Lake Harmful Algal Bloom Update--01 August, 2013

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RochNY
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Black Lake Harmful Algal Bloom Update--01 August, 2013

Post by RochNY » Thu Aug 01, 2013 3:31 pm

Samples from a shoreline algal bloom submitted to the state-approved laboratory by the Black Lake Association's CSLAP volunteer, have a positive identification for a Harmful Cyanobacterium (blue-green algae) but have tested NEGATIVE for toxins (which come from the blue-green algae--usually Microcystis in our lake). The toxin levels were below detectable levels. This is good news, but as always, it is advisable to avoid fishing, swimming or boating in any areas of heavy algae growth, just to be on the safe side.

We do not believe there is any problem in consumption of fish from algae-free areas of Black Lake. Fish, swim, boat and enjoy this Beautiful Lake!

Rich Henderson, Black Lake Association
Preserve, Protect, Enhance Black Lake Every Day

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Re: Black Lake Harmful Algal Bloom Update--01 August, 2013

Post by lumpy » Mon Aug 05, 2013 2:41 pm

:big-grin: Amen!!!

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Re: Black Lake Harmful Algal Bloom Update--2015

Post by 492VS » Tue Aug 25, 2015 9:27 am

Was wondering when it was going to show up. Had signs of it along the shoreline for weeks.
http://www.dec.ny.gov/chemical/83310.html

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Re: Black Lake Harmful Algal Bloom Update--01 August, 2013

Post by RochNY » Tue Aug 25, 2015 10:05 am

Message from DEC:
HARMFUL ALGAL BLOOM ALERT FOR BLACK LAKE (20 August, 2015)
The lab results from the routine CSLAP sampling on Black Lake on 16 August showed evidence of a low level Blue Green Algae Bloom (BGA also known as Harmful Algal Bloom – HAB), based on blue green Chlorophyll A levels of 25 micrograms per liter. This is right at the lower threshold of the 25-30 microgram per liter level that DEC uses to define a BGA bloom. Microscopic analysis of this sample indicated dominance by Anabaena and Microcystis, two BGA species both capable of producing toxins.
Toxin data are not yet available, but will be forwarded if they indicate an elevated risk. However, even if toxin levels are low, lake residents, visitors and pets are advised to avoid any exposure to shoreline scums or heavily discolored water that may accumulate in some portions of the lake.
We don’t have any evidence of any shoreline blooms, but when we have a mid lake sample that is above our criteria, there is a greater chance of pileup of BGA along a shoreline, resulting in the appearance of spilled bright green paint or a thick algae scum.
The lake overall is just barely above the alert criteria so the primary message should be: “stay on the lookout for and avoid shoreline scums based on higher overall lake algae levels and the increased chance of blooms along the shoreline. Decisions about recreating and/or fishing in a specific area should be governed by the conditions in that area.
Any lake residents exhibiting BGA exposure symptoms are encouraged to seek medical assistance and otherwise follow the advice on our web page (http://www.dec.ny.gov/chemical/77118.html).
This information has been conveyed to regional Department Of Health and DEC staff. Please let Rich Henderson, (585) 721-0387 know if conditions change, or if any shoreline blooms are observed along with the precise location of those blooms. Pictures transmitted to rchender01@gmail.com are also helpful.
Preserve, Protect, Enhance Black Lake Every Day

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Re: Black Lake Harmful Algal Bloom Update--01 August, 2013

Post by ShaneO19 » Tue Aug 25, 2015 12:47 pm

I would be curious to know if these algae blooms occurred on Black Lake say 100 + years ago. Before there was as much potential human impact as there is today. If they did then there is probably not much to do or worry about. If they didn't then it is something that should be of concern.

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Re: Black Lake Harmful Algal Bloom Update--01 August, 2013

Post by RochNY » Tue Aug 25, 2015 1:50 pm

For those who don't wish to read the entire posting:

AVOID THE BLOOMS; ENJOY THE LAKE! There's a lot of water out there, most of it free of thick blooms.

Cyanobacteria evolved around 2.7 billion years ago (Buick, 1992; Brasier et al, 2002; Dalton, 2002). They are the microorganisms most likely responsible for creating an oxygen-rich atmosphere on earth. They were certainly present in Black Lake 100 years ago as they're omnipresent in our environment.

However, the blooms we're seeing recently are exacerbated by the levels of phosphorus in our surface waters, largely introduced by sewage (even treated sewage has high phosphorus levels unless costly specialized treatment is applied). That makes the blooms more frequent and larger in size than in the past. These organisms lie somewhere between an alga and a bacterium, since they contain the energy-producing pigment chlorophyll. They are also motile, in that they can move vertically up and down the water column as lighting, temperature and wind conditions become more or less suitable for their propagation and food production.

When cyanobacterial populations (also referred to as Blue-Green Algae--same thing) become large due to high concentrations of food (phosphorus), warm waters, and sunlight penetrating the water column, they can produce toxins within their cells--sort of a metabolic supercharging. When the algal bloom is large enough and their numbers encounter unfavorable conditions for their survival, the blooms largely float and the cells start to lyse (break apart), spilling their poisonous contents into the water. Enough quantity of dying cells and the toxin concentration in the water increases to levels that can present problems to humans and pets. Hence it's always best to avoid the areas that look like bright green paint that has been spilled on the surface.

It's important to note that other types of algae do NOT have toxins. It's not that easy to distinguish the different species of chlorophyll-containing bacteria and other types of true algae (green algae). So the mere appearance of an algal bloom doesn't necessarily mean danger.

The Black Lake Association (along with 1000's of other lake organizations across the U.S. and Canada) regularly sample their waters for these cyanobacteria, especially when a Harmful Algal Bloom (HAB) is noticed or suspected to be a HAB. As I said above, not all algal blooms are HABs. These samples are sent to a NYS DEC Certified laboratory for identification of the algae/bacteria. That's when the DEC posts the notification. Forewarned is forearmed. If you do a Google search on cyanobacteria toxins you can see the range and danger of these compounds--they're nothing to tangle with. Avoidance is the key.

It would be highly unlikely that the entirety of a lake would have a HAB and it is also equally unlikely that even IF the HAB was releasing toxins, the toxin concentration would be uniformly high and present throughout the lake. These are microscopic organisms with very potent toxins but the volume of water in the lake is extremely large relative to the bloom volume.

I would not ignore or trivialize the potential hazard of HABs merely because the organism has been around before. Keep in mind that folks throughout history have probably become sick when they had close contact with a HAB, but those blooms due to lower phosphorus levels in past eras were less frequent and smaller. We didn't have the scientific knowledge of these organisms, nor the means to detect and identify their toxins, so those few cases of sick folks and animals were most likely mis-attributed. We're better armed today with knowledge and relatively accurate information. Even with HABs on lakes such as ours, we can all still enjoy the variety of recreational opportunities afforded by Black Lake and merely exercise some prudence to protect the health of our families and our pets. I hope this helps. If you want further information, please don't hesitate to contact me at the email address or phone number listed in the DEC posting above.

Rich Henderson, Black Lake Association Board of Directors and New York State Federation of Lake Associations Board of Directors
Preserve, Protect, Enhance Black Lake Every Day

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Re: Black Lake Harmful Algal Bloom Update--25 August, 2015

Post by RochNY » Tue Aug 25, 2015 5:17 pm

The lab results from DEC's Lab have been received by the Black Lake Association:

The microcystin (primary toxin of concern) levels were undetectable.

That doesn’t change the messaging--DEC Division of Waters is concerned about all Blue Green Algae (BGA aka Cyanobacteria aka HABs) blooms even if toxins are low for the following reasons:

1. Since we don’t have tests for all of the toxins other toxins may be present for which tests haven't been conducted.
2. Toxin levels could be higher in other parts of the bloom, for instance pileup of algae scum along the shoreline. Only one test sample was submitted.
3. Some people have reactions to the algae independent of the toxins. For example, some BGA can produce lipopolysaccharides (while not toxic, some folks are sensitive to these compounds) that can cause rashes. In light of that disqualifier, the low microcystin results are certainly good to hear.

DEC still advises Caution around visible areas of algal blooms. Don't eat fish caught in these areas and don't allow swimming or water contact in these areas for swimmers and/or pets.

We will continue our biweekly sampling with toxin testing, further advising if results warrant it. Meanwhile, ENJOY this beautiful, scenic, fish-filled lake.

Rich Henderson, Board of Directors, Black Lake Association and New York State Federation of Lake Associations
Preserve, Protect, Enhance Black Lake Every Day

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Re: Black Lake Harmful Algal Bloom Update--01 August, 2013

Post by RochNY » Sat Sep 12, 2015 1:23 pm

Based on a report this week from DEC on the sample that was submitted by the Black Lake Association, Inc. as participant in the Citizens Statewide Lake Assessment Program (CSLAP) Black Lake continues to have a fairly widespread Harmful Algal Bloom (HAB). Three genuses of blue green algae (cyanobacteria) have been confirmed to have bloomed in the lake: Microcystis, Aphanizomenon, and Anabaena.[/i] Toxins have been found to be present in association with these widespread blooms, but levels remain just above the threshhold level where the presence of toxins would be reported.

The following link will take you to the HAB page of the DEC website: http://www.dec.ny.gov/chemical/83310.html .
As always, avoidance is the key to not experience any possible adverse effect from exposure to HAB organisms or their toxins. Don't swim in or through blue-green paint-appearing blooms. Don't consume fish caught in these areas to be on the safe side. General recreation including swimming and water skiing and fishing is generally considered safe as long as one avoids the areas of thick appearance of algae. Green algae including filamentous or pea soup looking areas are NOT cyanobacteria and are not harmful, though most folks consider it an unappealing area to swim/wade or allow pets into.

Information is the best way to protect yourself, your family members and your pets. We expect the HAB to continue into the Fall, though we do anticipate a reduction in the widespread nature of the bloom resulting in more localized concentrations along some shore areas as daily temperatures cool and hopefully lake levels and flow increase. Enjoy the lake--I just spend ten days at the lake and it was beautiful and a wonderful place to be...as always!

Rich Henderson, Black Lake Association and New York State Federation of Lake Associations, Inc. (NYSFOLA, co-sponsor of the CSLAP Program in cooperation with DEC)
Preserve, Protect, Enhance Black Lake Every Day

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