Freshwater Science Teaser: Stopping Algal Bloom Toxins at the Kitchen Tap
Channel: Ohio Sea Grant
Date: 2022-02-21

Harmful algal bloom toxins are a common concern for people living along the Lake Erie shoreline, where drinking water is often drawn from the lake.

In addition to removing these toxins during water treatment, Ohioans may have another tool at their disposal: Dr. Glenn Lipscomb’s research, funded by the Harmful Algal Bloom Research Initiative, has shown that reverse osmosis membranes, an essential component of home water purification systems, can remove algal toxins from drinking water. The mechanism by which toxins are removed will be discussed along with tests for commercially available units.