BRADENTON, Fla. — Environmental groups have noticed a type of blue-green algae forming in Manatee County near the Manatee River.
Suncoast Waterkeeper posted an image of what they say is lyngbya at Robinson Preserve in Bradenton. The blue-green alga grows with elevated levels of phosphorous and nitrogen, which scientists say were in the wastewater that was discharged from the former Piney Point phosphate plant last month.
RELATED: Manatee County leaders credit DeSantis for $100-million in state funding for Piney Point cleanup
DEP has reported that low levels of red tide were detected west of the Manatee River but were not a result of the discharge. However, state officials say the wastewater could worsen algal blooms.
At this time, the DEP says no fish kills have been reported in the area.
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