It Ain’t Easy Being Green: Lower Basin Cyanobacteria Bloom

For the entirety of August, a cyanobacteria bloom in the lower basin has made it unsafe to recreate in the Charles downstream of Harvard Bridge. These harmful algal blooms are fueled by excess phosphorus from stormwater runoff and warm temperatures. With climate change bringing increased rainfall and extreme heat, cyanobacteria blooms are becoming more frequent, long-lasting, and severe. Each summer, we measure cyanobacteria concentrations weekly and report levels to the MA Department of Public Health, but we need your help!

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