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A toxic algal bloom that's approximately 1.5 times the size of Rhode Island is slowly making its way towards the Florida coast.

Massive algal bloom headed for Florida


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    Cheryl Santa Maria
    Digital Reporter

    Wednesday, August 6, 2014, 6:31 PM -

    Earlier this month a toxic algal bloom caused panic in Toledo, Ohio when it contaminated the water supply, prompting officials to warn approximately 500,000 residents not to not drink, cook or bathe in it.

    Now, an ever larger bloom -- one that's 1.5 times the size of Rhode Island -- is making its way towards the Florida coast. It is expected to arrive there near the end of August.

    While Toledo's water supply was contaminated with blue-green algae, the bloom that's targeting Florida represents a red tide which occurs when the microscopic algae Karenia brevis begins to multiply. 

    The toxic tide is an annual event for Florida but this year's is the largest since 2005, measuring 144 km in length and 96 km in width.


    RELATED: Algae prompts health warning in Alberta


    Experts say it can kill fish "in the millions", while emitting an odourless toxin that is harmful to humans.

    The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission has already received thousands of calls relating to dead marine life.

    Algal blooms have been making headlines on both sides of the border this year.

    Back in July, Alberta Health Services issued an advisory after blue-green algae was found on Pigeon and Coal Lakes for the fourth year in a row.

    Currently, there's no effective way to control the blooms.

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