Algal Toxins

Algal Toxins

Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs) are overgrowths of algae in fresh or marine water. Some produce dangerous toxins, which can sicken or kill people and animals. Even non-toxic blooms also negative impact environment by creating dead zones in the water and eventually economies by hurting industries depending on clean water. Algal toxins are mostly produced from cyanobacteria (blue green algae), but also red tides. Although algal toxins are originally from water, they may be transported to air and soil as well. 

EMSL Analytical, Inc. offers algal identification, algal biomass analysis and various algal toxins testing for water, air as well as soil samples. The toxins include, but not limited to, microcystins, cylindrospermopsin, anatoxin-a, saxitoxin and brevetoxin. Please contact our Aquatic Science Laboratory by email at info@emsl.com or 1-800-220-3675 for any questions.