Toxicon: The State of U.S. Freshwater Harmful Algal Blooms Assessments, Policy and Legislation
Hudnell, H.K. (2010), Toxicon, 55, 1024-1034.
The incidence of harmful algal blooms (HABs) is increasing in the United States and worldwide. HAB toxins cause a substantial but unquantified amount of human and animal morbidity and mortality from exposures in recreational, commercial and drinking-source and potable waters. HAB biomass and toxins threaten the sustainability of aquatic ecosystems. U.S. Congressional legislation mandated the establishment of a National Research Plan for Coastal Harmful Algal Blooms, but no similar plan exists for freshwater HABs (FHABs).
Harmful Algae: Freshwater Harmful Algal Bloom (FHAB) Suppression with Solar Powered Circulation (SPC)
Hudnell, HK et al. (2010) Harmful Algae, 9:208-217.
Freshwater harmful algal blooms (FHABs) incidence is increasing worldwide, presenting risks for human and animal health, aquatic-ecosystem sustainability and economic vitality. Increasing nutrient input to freshwater, increasing temperatures and decreasing flow rates that create quiescent or stagnant waters are primary causes of increasing incidence. Ecological approaches to FHAB control target these causes to reduce FHAB incidence without adversely impacting aquatic ecosystems.
Possible Estuary-Associated Syndrome: Symptoms, Vision, and Treatment
Shoemaker, RC and Hudnell, HK (2001). Environmental Health Perspectives, 109:539-545.
The human illness designated as possible estuarine-associated syndrome (PEAS) by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has been associated with exposure to estuaries inhab- ited by toxin-forming dinoflagellates, including members of the fish-killing toxic Pfiesteria com- plex (TPC), Pfiesteria piscicida and Pfiesteria shumwayae. Humans may be exposed through direct contact with estuarine water or by inhalation of aerosolized or volatilized toxin(s).
A Synopsis of Research Needs Identified at the Interagency, International Symposium on Cyanobacterial Harmful Algal Blooms (ISOC-HAB)
Hudnell, KH and Dortch, Q (2008) In: Cyanobacterial Harmful Algal Blooms: State of the Science and Research Needs [Ed. HK Hudnell], Chapter 2, Springer, New York; Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology, 619:17-44.
Evidence indicates that the incidence of cyanobacterial harmful algal blooms (CHABs) is increasing in spatial extent and temporal frequency worldwide. Cyanobacterial blooms produce highly potent toxins and huge, noxious biomasses in surface waters used for recreation, commerce, and as drinking water sources. The Interagency, International Symposium on Cyanobacterial Harmful Algal Blooms (ISOC-HAB) characterized the state of the science and identified research needed to address the risks posed by CHABs to human health and ecosystem sustainability.
An Overview of the Interagency, International Symposium on Cyanobacterial Harmful Algal Blooms (ISOC-HAB): Advancing the Scientific Understanding of Freshwater Harmful Algal Blooms
Hudnell, HK et al. (2008) In: Cyanobacterial Harmful Algal Blooms: State of the Science and Research Needs [Ed. HK Hudnell], Chapter 1, Springer, New York; Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology, 619: 1-16.
There is growing evidence that the spatial and temporal incidence of harm ful algal blooms is increasing, posing potential risks to human health and ecosystem sustainability. Currently there are no US Federal guidelines, Water Quality Criteria and Standards, or regulations concerning the management of harmful algal blooms. Algal blooms in freshwater are predominantly cyanobacteria, some of which produce highly potent cyanotoxins.
Scientific Assessment of Freshwater Harmful Algal Blooms.
Lopez, CB et al. (2008) Interagency Working Group on Harmful Algal Blooms, Hypoxia, and Human Health of the Joint Subcommittee on Ocean Science and Technology. Washington, DC.
Freshwater harmful algal blooms (HABs) are comprised of algae that either create health hazards for humans or animals through the production of toxins or bioactive compounds or that cause deterioration of water quality through the build-up of high biomass, which degrades aesthetic, ecological, and recreational values. While freshwater HABs occur naturally, human actions that disturb ecosystems in the form of increased nutrient loadings and pollution, modified hydrology, and introduced species have been linked to the increased occurrence of some freshwater HABs.
Chronic biotoxin-associated illness: Multiple-system symptoms, a vision deficit, and effective treatment
Hudnell, HK (2005) Neurotoxicology & Teratology, 27:733-743.
Blooms of toxigenic organisms have increased in spatial and temporal extent due to human activities and natural forces that alter ecologic habitats and pollute the environment. In aquatic environments, harmful algal blooms pose a risk for human health, the viability of organisms, and the sustainability of ecosystems. The estuarine dinoflagellate, Pfiesteria piscicida, was discovered in the late 1980s at North Carolina State University as a contaminant in fish cultures. P.
Human Visual Function in the North Carolina Clinical Study on Possible Estuary-Associated Syndrome
Hudnell, HK et al., (2001) J Toxicology and Environmental Health, 62:575-594.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency assisted the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services in conducting a case study to investigate the potential for an association between fish kills in the North Carolina estuary system and the risk of persistent health effects. Impetus for the study was recent evidence suggesting that estuarine dinoflagellates including members of the toxic Pfiesteria complex (TPC), P. piscicida and P. schumwayae, may release a toxin(s) that kills fish and adversely affects human health.