June 16 , 2006 Update: Blue-green algae (Cyanobacteria) bloom levels detected throughout May in the upper Sassafras River region; No blooms detected at Betterton Beach

Water samples were collected by Maryland Department of Natural Resources and accompanied by Sassafras River Association members on May 31 at three locations. Cyanobacteria were abundant at the Route 213 bridge crossing and in Swan Town Creek. Noteworthy is the abundance of toxigenic (i.e. species known to sometimes produce toxins) Microcystis, Anabaena and Aphanizomenon species at the Route 213 bridge site (Table 1). Betterton Beach was sampled and except for the presence of 127 cells per milliliter of Romeria sp., blue-green algae were absent from the area.

Water samples collected by Maryland Department of Natural Resources on May 9 in the Sassafras River showed the first indication of blue-green algal blooms for the year (see HAB news article from May 11, 2006.Sassasfras River: Early season evidence of Blue-green (Cyanobacteria) algal blooms). A sample collected at the Route 213 bridge on May 17 and sent to Dr. Wayne Carmichael's Wright State University laboratory for testing was positive for the cyanobacterial toxin microcystin. However, the toxin levels, were below the 1 ug/L World Health Organization levels of concern for drinking water and also below the 10 ug/L levels considered by the National Health and Medical Research Council in Australia as the safety threshold for recreational contact for children with blue-green algal bloom affected water. Additional samples from May 31 have been forwarded to laboratories for toxin evaluation; results are pending.

Table 1. Phytoplankton community composition in cells per milliliter, focusing on the blue-green algae (Cyanobacteria) results for the Sassafras River sampling locations.

 Maryland Department of Natural Resources will continue to actively monitor and report on the condition of the river. Citizens are advised to take common precautions around bloom waters to reduce the possible risk of illness or discomfort related to blue-green algal blooms:

• The public should not swim in areas where a blue-green algae bloom is evident.



• Do not drink water from any area with the appearance of a blue-green algae bloom.



• If contact is made with problem water, simply wash off with fresh water.
  In some cases, skin irritations may occur after prolonged contact. If irritations persist, see a physician or local health care provider.



• Keep pets and livestock away from bloom areas.
  Blue-green algal blooms may contain toxins that could be harmful or fatal to pets and livestock.



• Do not eat viscera (internal organs) of fish caught in bluegreen bloom waters.



• Inhalation exposure to blue-green algal bloom waters may result in irritation of the eyes, ears, nose and throat with extended recreational activity on such waterways.

Please note that illness associated with harmful algal blooms is now a reportable illness so physicians should be reporting these to local health departments. The MD DNR in coordination and cooperation with DHMH and MDE will continue to monitor all blue-green algal blooms throughout the state. For up to date information on all of Maryland's harmful algal blooms and water quality, please visit Eyes on the Bay