Chapter 5: Toxic Cyanobacteria in Florida Waters

Cyanobacteria represent a common component of algal assemblages in Florida's lakes, springs, estuaries, and other marine environments. The frequency of cyanobacterial bloom reports has recently become more common and algal toxin data are just beginning to be collected with the advent of monitoring efforts and the availability of laboratories in the state capable of conducting algal toxin analyses. Given Florida's growing population, subtropical environment, and the eutrophic nature of its lakes, rivers, and estuaries, it is not surprising that cyanobacteria are a common feature of aquatic ecosystems. However, cyanobacterial blooms may have always been common in some regions that include water bodies influenced by underlying phosphate deposits. Phosphate deposits cover much of peninsular Florida and are mined throughout the west–central part of the state (FIPR 2006; FDEP 2006). Although there is little doubt that the phenomenon of cyanobacterial blooms predates human development in Florida, the recent acceleration in population growth and associated changes to surrounding landscapes has contributed to the increased frequency, duration, and intensity of cyano-bacterial blooms and precipitated public concern over their possible harmful effects to aquatic ecosystems and human health. Toxic cyanobacterial blooms in Florida waters represent a major threat to water quality, ecosystem stability, surface drinking water supplies, and public health. Many of Florida's largest and most important lakes, rivers, and estuaries are increasingly impacted by toxic cyanobacterial blooms, including the St.