Scientists study mystery of Lake Erie toxic bacteria

ANN ARBOR — Scientists are trying to figure out why some algae-like bacteria in Lake Erie become toxic while others don't.

High levels of toxic cyanobacteria left 400,000 people in Michigan and Ohio without drinkable tap water for two days last August.

University of Michigan microbiologist Gregory Dick is leading an 11-member team that's studying the problem. Members are scheduled to make a presentation next week during a conference on the bacteria blooms at Bowling Green State University in Ohio.

Dick says it's widely known that nutrients from farm runoff causes the blooms, but what makes some of them become toxic is a mystery.

The scientists are analyzing the genetic makeup of Lake Erie microbes in hopes of finding answers.

The NOAA Great Lakes Environmental Research Laboratory in Ann Arbor is also participating.