What is Red Tide?

In simplest terms, a red tide is a “bloom” of

phytoplankton. Phytoplankton are microscopic, single-
celled plants that occur naturally in our coastal waters.
 A “bloom” occurs when a particular species of
phytoplankton begins reproducing rapidly and results
in millions of cell in each gallon of water. Most blooms
last three to five months and may affect hundreds of
square miles.
As the bloom increases the density of red tide
organisms increase to several million cells in each litre
of sea water, creating visible patches near the water’s
surface.
 CAUSES OF RED TIDES
• The causes of red tides are unclear but experienced have
arrive at the conclusion that some specific factors might
have caused the phenomenon:
– Result of human activities
– Coastal upwelling, a natural result of the movement of
certain ocean currents
– Coastal water population
– Systematic increase in sea water temperature
– Iron-rich dust influx from large desert areas such as the
Sahara desert
– El Niño events (ocean-atmosphere phenomenon)
 EFFECTS
• Kill fish, invertebrates such as certain clams and
oysters, other marine mammals such as dolphins,
and water fowl and other birds.
• On humans---health problems
• Tingling in lips, tongue and throat
• Diarrhea, vomiting
• Asthmatic symptoms
• Temperature “ reversals” : cold feels hot and vice
versa
Are Red Tides always red?
• No. Red Tides can actually take on the
appearance of a variety of colors –
from brown to burgundy, to bright
red, and to even yellow in some parts
of the world.
Elimination and Treatment in Humans
• Researchers at Florida International University in Miami are
experimenting with using 640-kilohertz ultrasound waves
that create micropressure zones as hot as 3,700 °C. This
breaks some water molecules into reactive fragments that
can kill algae.
Treatment in Humans

Filter Masks
( Asthmatic Asthma Medications:
symptoms) Antiemetics
Albuterol, Intravenous
Dipheniramine, fluids
Cromolyn, Prednisone,
Brevenal, bronchodilators
Thank you for Listening!

Sigmund Adrian E. Alaba

Grade 7- Fleming