Why Is Florida's 'Unprecedented' Algae Bloom Toxic?

Footage from a drone video of the bloom. (Credit: Dylan Hansen/Balance For Earth) Massive blooms of potentially toxic cyanobacteria are washing onto beaches in Florida, keeping beach goers at home and raising concerns about possible impacts on public health. The bacteria belong to the genus microcystis, meaning they are not technically algae, and are known to appear in areas with high concentrations of nitrogen and phosphorus. Both compounds leach into Florida's Lake Okeechobee from industrial farming activities in the area. And when conditions are right, the blooms produce a toxin that can cause kidney and liver damage, as well as painful rashes in those exposed to it.