Red tide

Red Tide

Red tide (/rɛd taɪd/), also known as Harmful Algal Bloom or HAB, is a phenomenon characterized by the proliferation of certain types of algae in marine or freshwater environments, causing the water to appear red or brown.

Etymology

The term "red tide" is derived from the reddish-brown color that the water takes on due to the high concentration of pigmented dinoflagellates, a type of algae that is often involved in these events. The term "harmful algal bloom" is more accurate, as these events can involve a variety of algal species, not all of which cause the water to appear red, and can have harmful effects on the environment and human health.

Causes

Red tides are typically caused by an overgrowth of certain types of algae, often dinoflagellates, in response to favorable environmental conditions. These conditions can include high nutrient levels, warm water temperatures, and calm seas. Human activities, such as agriculture and urban runoff, can contribute to the occurrence of red tides by increasing nutrient levels in the water.

Effects

Red tides can have a variety of harmful effects. They can deplete oxygen levels in the water, leading to the death of fish and other marine life. Some types of algae involved in red tides can also produce toxins that can harm or kill marine life, and can cause illness in humans if ingested, inhaled, or come into contact with the skin. These toxins can also accumulate in shellfish, posing a risk to humans who consume them.

Related Terms

• Algae
• Dinoflagellates
• Harmful Algal Bloom
• Oxygen
• Fish
• Shellfish
• Agriculture
• Urban runoff

External links

• Medical encyclopedia article on Red tide
• Wikipedia's article - Red tide

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