Low levels of toxins found in samples from Lake O
LAKE OKEECHOBEE – Low levels of toxins were detected in algal blooms on Lake Okeechobee and connecting waterways this week.
On July 7 and July 8, South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) staff collected samples at Lake Okeechobee at the following stations. Cyanotoxin results are included in parentheses following each station name:
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CLV10A 7.3 ppb (parts per billion);
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LZ40 (5.3 ppb);
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PALMOUT (non-detect);
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PALMOUT1 (2.3 ppb);
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PALMOUT2 (trace, 0.48 ppb);
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PALMOUT3 (1.8 ppb);
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LZ30 (trace, 0.79 ppb);
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POLE3S (non-detect);
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RITTAE2 (non-detect);
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LZ25A (trace, 0.25 ppb);
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L007 (trace, 0.26 ppb);
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L006 (trace, 0.30 ppb);
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PELBAY3 (non-detect);
Results from other sampling stations in the lake were still pending
Microcystis aeruginosa was the dominant taxon in all of the samples with microcystin levels greater than 1 ppb.
The World Health Organization considers levels above 1 ppb unsafe for drinking water, and levels above 8 ppb to be unsafe for human recreational contact (such as swimming).