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Fort Pierce algae found to not be toxic

Posted at 7:00 PM, Aug 23, 2019
and last updated 2019-08-23 20:01:51-04

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Test results from two samples taken this week along the Indian River in Fort Pierce confirm the presence of blue-green algae but it shows no signs of being toxic.

“We’re always concerned about potential toxicity,” says Zack Jud of the Florida Oceanographic Society in Stuart.

The blooms tested were located at the Harbortown Marina.

According to Jud, the absence of any toxins is not exactly a guarantee.

“These blooms can turn on and off in terms of toxicity a bloom that’s not toxic right now can become toxic you really don’t know what triggers that change,” Jud says.

Jud says toxic blue green algae can pose a potential health risk to humans and animals.