The term blue-green algae is a misnomer, as this organism is, in fact, a single-celled organism called cyanobacteria. Here are some key takeaways from an article by Angie Krause, DVM, CVA, CCRT:
- Cyanobacteria can have almost any color although many bodies of water affected by this toxic organism have a pea-green color.
- The toxic strains of blue-green algae contain neurotoxins or hepatotoxins.
- Cyanobacteria (toxic blue-green algae) will separate in the water and will not drape over sticks like pond scum.
- When cyanobacteria are killed or begin to die, they emit a rotting egg or rotting food smell that can alert you to their presence.
- Even if the bacteria are dead, their toxins are present in the water.
Source: Dogster, June 3, 2023. Link.
Also see: Search results for: blue-green algae, AHD archives. Link.