Toxic algae bloom causes Florida state of emergency

Swaths of thick, algae blooms have plagued miles of Florida coastline, prompting the governor to declare a state of emergency.
Governor Rick Scott issued the executive order in four counties after samples taken from the St Lucie River tested positive for toxins.
The green slime appeared when polluted water was discharged from Lake Okeechobee to prevent flooding.
The toxic algae can be harmful to plants, animals and humans.
The US Army Corps of Engineers began discharging freshwater from the lake in Jacksonville, Florida, more than two weeks ago.


Lake Okeechobee, the largest freshwater body in the state, is contaminated with runoff that includes human waste, animal feed and fertiliser.
The process sent millions of gallons of the nutrient-heavy water into the river and triggered the growth of blue-green algae on some of Florida's southern rivers and beaches.
Samples taken in the river near Palm City and Stuart tested positive for hazardous levels of toxins.
If ingested, the toxic algae could cause nausea and vomiting and rash or hay fever if touched or inhaled.
Beaches along Florida's Treasure Coast were closed last week in response to the expansion of the green sludge.
Though many of the beaches have reopened, officials recommend that people stay away from the hazardous waterways.



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