FedNor funds $1 million to NOSM to help detect blue-green algae

As the climate continues to change, scientists at the Northern Ontario School of Medicine (NOSM) say they are noticing an increase ofblue-green algae in our lakes and waterways.

"Blue-green algae is actually more like a bacteria than a plant and it makes a lot of toxins in our environment," NOSMprofessor Greg Ross said, "so it's harmful to people's health."

On Nov. 24, Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour, Patty Hajduannouncedthe Federal government will be giving $1 million of FedNor funding to NOSM to develop aninnovative camera technology that's able toquickly and accurately identify the toxic blue-green algae.

"NOSM and [Discover Air Fire Services]havebeen working together for a number of years, with FedNor," Minister Hajdu said "[and] FedNor is all about, identifying opportunitiesthat willhelp move forward not just the research of our region but alsothe opportunity for economic development."

• Northern Ontario home to 50% of Ontario's blue-green algae problem

• Blue-green algae blooms could cancel your Great Lakes beach plans

Currently, detection efforts of the blue-green algae is done on ground, with scientists collecting samples from beaches, lakes and waterways.

However, Minister Hajdu said with NOSM's new idea to mount cameras on an aircraft, the process for detecting the toxin will become much more rapid, which in turn willhelp scientists find a solution that much faster.

From rashes to possible lung problems, Ross said people who drink thecontaminated water can potentially develop chronic long term illnesses.

He said, while Public Health is currently doing a great job in "monitoring the environment and letting them know of the contaminated areas," the $1 million funding from FedNor will help reduce any delays within theprocess.

"By the time you collect a ground sample, send it away for analysis and start to close beaches, there can be very very long term delays," Ross said, "[but]the technology we are developing should enable real time reporting."

Which means, within 24 hoursscientists would not only be able to detect, but also let people know if there's a contamination on the waterway where they reside.