The Boston Public Health Commission has issued a health advisory for the Charles River Lower Basin, downstream of the Massachusetts Avenue bridge, after the state detected a cyanobacterial bloom exceeding Department of Public Health (DPH) guidelines for recreational bodies of water.
According to The Boston Globe, health officials warn that the cyanobacteria, also known as blue-green algae, can produce toxins. Members of the public are asked to avoid contact with the water and any areas of algae concentration, even if they are present on shore.
The bloom can sometimes cause the water to resemble pea soup or paint. Toxins may be present in algal cells or in the water…