Protecting the Public from Harmful Algal Blooms (with City of Worcester)

Many lakes and ponds have experienced growth of Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs), which are colonies of cyanobacteria that can produce toxins that can be a threat to public’s health. This project includes an assessment of monitoring, prevention, and treatment methods, along with development of suitable advisory thresholds that can support the control of HABs in the City of Worcester, MA. Research included archival research, data analysis, and interviews with researchers and scientists. Results were compared to understand which methods for prevention, treatment and advisory thresholds should be used for the city of Worcester to protect the public’s health. Some results were the recommendation to raise the cell density threshold and testing for other cyanotoxins.