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Local scientists outline toxin-testing protocol and bloom forecasting for Lake George
Summary
Researchers described a protocol to send suspected bloom samples to an independent lab for toxin analysis and described a forecasting system that uses sensor and weather data to flag hotspots for local sampling teams.
The Freshwater Institute presenter criticized state reporting that can classify blooms from photos alone and described an alternative, LGA-funded protocol to confirm toxins before labeling events as harmful algal blooms. "We're not gonna call it a harmful algal bloom unless we actually measure toxins," the presenter said, and noted that surface scums sampled so far have not shown toxins in independent tests.
He also described a forecasting pipeline that combines vertical-profile sensor data and weather forecasts to predict bloom timing and report hotspots to the LGA so local teams can sample and, if necessary, send tests to an independent lab for toxin analysis. The presenter said Lake George's forecasting and near-real-time sensor work put the basin ahead of many inland systems and can help target scarce sampling resources.
