Since 1953, this old professor has been researching lakes, ponds, cattle tanks, and reservoirs in Montana, Wyoming, Idaho, Washington, Oregon, California, Arizona and New Mexico. The compelling interest of this research was and continues to be the blue green algae, the Cyanobacteria, particularly, Aphanizomenon flos-aquae, Anabaena flos-aquae and Microcystis aeruginosa. These species were found in Klamath Lake since 1987 by this water scientist and by others well before that.

Until the late 1950's, algae were identified by morphological and anatomical detail and by reproductive structure and behavior. Then through methods including ultrastructure via electron microscopy, serolooy, electrophoresis, DNA, and others, physiological strains of some species have been identified. It was known that within some species there were races and strains; because, species didn't always behave as anticipated. Such knowledge provides understanding of how a strain of a species can be toxic while strains of the same species can be nontoxic. For example, a strain of Anabaena flos-aquae can be dangerously toxic while other strains are nontoxic (p.43 The Astonishing Magnificent Delightful Algae, by Dr. Barry).

Some strains of Microcystis aeruginosa might be dangerous to higher animals including human beings while others are not. The "fast toxin" described by Kingsbury in "Poisonous Plants of the U. S. and Canada", in his other works and the works of other Toxicologists is not present in the Klamath Basin.

The species mentioned above are common in waters throughout the world and are found in abundance in overnourished waters, i.e., eutrophic waters.

Professor Carmichael, a toxicologist. was correct in suggesting caution; because some strains of Microcystis aeruginosa can be dangerous. Having worked with Public Health Professionals for three decades, this old water scientist also wishes to err on the side of caution. It seems appropriate to point out that Prof. Carmichael published a rather fine article on toxic algae (Scientific American 1994) in which he stated that Aphanizomenon flos-aquae was toxic; yet, he had been reporting to algae companies at Klamath Falls for four years that Aphanizomenon flos-aquae is not toxic (Vegetarian Times 1996). Perhaps, he was referring to strains within a species.

Carmichael and Jacob Kahn, a graduate student, have been quoted in the Herald & News as saying if a cow or horse drank two liters (two quarts) from the Lake it would sicken and die, and it a dog took a few licks of the water it would sicken and die. Prof. Carmichael also said "In fact it's some of the most toxic I've ever seen. I would be almost certain that if cattle drank from the lake they would soon be sick or dead." (Herald & News 15 Sept. 1996)

It is known that a horse drinks 10 gallons of water per day, and a dog three to four quarts per day. The dogs, horses and cattle have been drinking the water for about 48 days at Agency Lake, Klamath Lake, the Irrigation Ditches and the Link River. For each horse that is at least 480 gallons or 1,920 quarts. Yet, the State and local government agencies claim there have been no reports of dog, horse or cattle poisoning.

Some fish have been killed by a gill fungi disease and some birds have died from avian botulism. The microorganisms which cause there diseases are often found in warm, shallow water where bioputrifaction occurs, such as back bay areas. Blue-green algae are not the causal agents of the fish or bird maladies.

Much is yet to be learned about the blue-green algae, about toxins, about strains of species of blue-green algae. Discourse might precede some pronouncements. Everyone has much to learn.

A little learning ...................................