Baylor University
researchers are one step closer to understanding the algae that causes a
substantial number of fish deaths in more than 18 states.
Golden algae, Texas Tide or Prymnesium parvum, as it is
known by its scientific name, produces toxins that can severely impact aquatic
organisms. Over the past decade, golden algae blooms have been responsible for
the death of tens of millions of fish in Texas reservoirs.
To view the study, published in the December issue of
Harmful Algae, visit
Bryan W. Brooks, Ph.D., professor of environmental science
and biomedical studies at Baylor and director of the environmental science
graduate program and the environmental health science program, and his research
team found that neutral pH levels prevented the algae's bloom development and
the toxicity of the algae was greatly diminished.