Test results show slight toxins in SWFL water

Reporter: Corey Lazar
Published: Updated:

CAPE CORAL, Fla. – The algal blooms in Southwest Florida are different than the algae that is being blamed for the deaths of eight manatees on the East Coast, said Rick Bartleson with the Sanibel Conservation Commission.

But the water here is still slightly toxic, according to new test results.

The green algae floating on the surface of canal waters in Cape Coral have a toxin called microsystins, which is created by a bacteria called cyanobacteria.

And residents are taking notice to the ugly mess.

“The water is just — I have never seen it this bad,” said Tim Digennaro. “I have been here since ’66 and it is getting worse and worse and this is really pathetic.”

Bartleson said the surface water also has agricultural chemicals, which could pose a huge threat to wild life.

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