FLEMING ISLAND —Yes, extensive results for the long-awaited test were actually released last month.

Before we get into the details, here is some background:

In August of 2024, Clay Today covered University of Florida associate professor and researcher Dr. Myoseon Jang's pursuit to answer some burning questions about the frequent blue-green algae blooms in Doctors Lake, Lake Okeechobee and Georges Lake, specifically, whether or not the toxins emitted from the blooms could be airborne. 

Jang, who studies atmospheric chemistry, was curious following the many health advisories from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection.

Blue-green algae, or cyanobacteria, can produce toxins in water and affect humans and animals through contact and ingestion, according to the Clay County Department of Health. In turn, this alga produces microcystins, which are the toxins that make people and animals sick.

According to the newly released study, Jang found that "OM (oxidized organic matter) in cyanobacterial aerosols was enriched at estuary Doctors Lake with high inorganic salt concentrations due to salting-out of water-soluble organics into lake-surface layers."

The study also suggested that cyanobacterial aerosols might adversely influence respiratory health. A future study will need to be conducted on the longitudinal health impacts.

To view the complete study and get more information, visit sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0269749125013326.