Massive toxic algal bloom in Hudson River carries health threats

A toxic algal bloom has spread across the Hudson River this month, marking the largest such event documented in nearly four decades. Researchers have identified the cyanobacterium Microcystis between Kingston and Staatsburg, with patches extending into Rondout Creek, the Wallkill River, and as far south as Beacon. The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation and Department of Health are warning residents and boaters to avoid contact with the water, as exposure can cause rashes, gastrointestinal illness, and, in severe cases, liver or neurological damage. Pets are considered especially vulnerable because they are more likely to ingest the contaminated water.

Scientists point to a multitude of environmental factors behind the bloom’s rapid growth. Warmer water temperatures, p