Harmful algal blooms.

Abstract

Harmful algal blooms are increasing in frequency and magnitude in many parts of the world, and one of the sectors of society that is being increasingly affected is the desalination industry. Given trends in the development of that industry, as well as the global expansion of the HAB problem, impacts will continue to occur, and are likely to increase. Desalination plant operators and managers are urged to take a more active role in determining the nature of the algal populations that are in the waters near their intakes, as this can directly help with identification of timely and appropriate mitigation strategies. One of the many challenges desalination plant managers face is that HABs are incredibly diverse in terms of toxicity, cell size, morphology, and bloom dynamics, and this diversity needs to be recognized when developing and implementing monitoring and mitigation strategies. Partnerships between regional HAB scientists and desalination operators and managers are encouraged as these will help the managers understand the nature of the problems they are facing.