The first-ever National Lakes Assessment of toxins from harmful algal blooms challenges several long-held assumptions, including the extent, distribution and make-up of toxins from harmful algal blooms. The assessment, conducted by the U.S. Geological Survey and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, sampled 1,161 inland lakes and reservoirs throughout the United States.Harmful algal blooms can be caused by many species of algae and bacteria, but this assessment focused on those caused by cyanobacteria — also known as blue-green algae. Toxins produced by cyanobacteria have a range of lethal and nonlethal effects on humans, wildlife and companion animals. Additionally, cyanotoxins can accumulate at all levels of
