Researcher Vijay John creates scalable, cost-effective treatment for algae blooms in municipal water systems
Harmful algal blooms (HABs), caused by toxin-producing cyanobacteria, are an increasing threat to public health, natural resources, and the economy. In Louisiana, fishing warnings are issued following the opening of the Bonnet Carré Spillway, when nutrient-laden Mississippi River water triggers blue-green algae blooms in Lake Pontchartrain. In Florida, the “Red Tide” algal blooms lead to large fish kills devastating the fishing industry along the Gulf Coast and causing respiratory illnesses from toxins in the marine aerosol droplets. HABs have significant economic and societal impacts worldwide.
