Volunteers sought for algal research study
A local university and research partners are looking for members of the community to play a role in the study of harmful algal blooms that have invaded waters around Southwest Florida in recent memory.
Researchers from Florida Atlantic University’s Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing and Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute, are currently seeking participants for a study that will evaluate the potential impacts of exposure to these blooms.
Having received another grant from the Florida Department of Health, researchers will continue this “first-of-its-kind” evaluation on both the short- and long-term health effects among Florida residents. According to experts, the study uses a collaborative, “multisite approach,” which includes researchers from Florida Gulf Coast University.
“We have very little data on human exposure to these blooms despite the prevalence and intensity cyanobacterial blooms in South Florida,” stated Shirley Gordon, Ph.D., principal investigator and a professor in the Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing, in a release. “Understanding short- and long-term health impacts is crucial to protecting Floridians’ health. By developing tools to measure concentrations of harmful algal blooms toxins in the environment and multiple human tissues we will gain a better understanding of this ongoing issue in Florida and elsewhere.”
The team currently has 150 participants, and are looking to add 30 more this year. They will be recruiting and collecting non-bloom data for the Cape Coral area at the Public Works Department (815 Nicholas Parkway East) on March 27 from noon to 4 p.m., and March 28 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Appointments are available and walk-ins are welcome. This latest study expands upon prior studies conducted in 2016, 2018 and previous FDOH studies from 2019 to 2020 and 2021 to 2022.
“Human exposure (to harmful algal blooms) comes from ingestion, direct skin contact or inhalation, and can lead to a variety of symptoms ranging from gastroenteritis, nausea, allergic reactions and skin rashes to liver damage in severe cases,” FAU officials stated. “Despite numerous occurrences of red tide and blue green algae in Florida waters, our understanding of the long-term health effects of exposure to these blooms remains limited.”
The study also is the first to look at the potential effect of exposure to COVID-19. Officials said that researchers are exploring if there is a relationship between a history of being infected with COVID-19 and susceptibility to the effects of harmful algal blooms exposure.
The study involves a survey “to identify the potential routes, duration and types of exposure to blooms through recreation and occupational activities.” The team will also assess possible impacts on those with pre-existing conditions. Bloodwork, including liver enzymes and renal markers will also be included in the study, officials said.
“Algal toxin concentrations including microcystin and brevotoxin will be measured in blood, urine and nasal mucosa,” a release from FAU states. “The toxin levels also will be used to understand the dose-response relationships with self-reported respiratory, dermal and gastrointestinal symptoms.”
Urine and blood analyses will be conducted in collaboration with the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which is developing methodology to detect emerging algal toxins in human tissues.
The study will include environmental sampling of water and air to measure potential sources of exposure. Researchers have developed a bio-repository and participant registry to store the data and samples in collaboration with FAU’s Clinical Research Unit within the FAU Division of Research.
“The purpose is to build an ongoing infrastructure to support the team’s long-term studies on the health effects of exposure to current and emerging harmful algal blooms toxins and serve as a resource for researchers around the state,” FAU officials stated.
The research team features Malcolm McFarland, Ph.D., a research associate at FAU Harbor Branch and co-principal investigator of the study. The team also includes Kathi Harvey, Ph.D., a nurse practitioner and an assistant professor in the Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing; and Michael Parsons, Ph.D., co-investigator and a professor of marine science at Florida Gulf Coast University.
For more information or to participate in the study, call or text 561-297-4631, or email Shirley Gordon at NurHAB@health.fau.edu.
Participants will receive up to $25 in gift cards as an incentive for participating in data collection activities each year.
To reach CJ HADDAD, please email cjhaddad@breezenewspapers.com