HAB Sampling
The Regional Science Consortium samples the PA Lake Erie shoreline for harmful algal blooms once a week from May to October. This sampling includes 35 sites from Elk Creek in the west to 20-Mile creek in the east as well as Erie Water Works, North East Water Authority, and Edinboro Lake.
Each site is tested to determine toxin levels using enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) tests for five toxins: Microcystins, Nodularins, Anatoxin-a, Saxitoxin, and Cylindrospermopsin. These toxins can affect the skin, liver, and nervous system with Microcystin being the most prevalent in this area. These results are utilized to determine safety levels of the water for pets and people which are posted publicly each week to our Local HAB Advisories Map. In addition, tributary nutrient levels are tested for phosphate and nitrate.
Interested in the historic data set? Contact us to request more information.
