FLEMING ISLAND — Last August, Clay Today covered Dr. Myoseon Jang’s quest to answer a concerning question about the frequent blue-green algae blooms at Doctors Lake. 

Blue-green algae, or cyanobacteria, can produce toxins in water and affect humans and animals through contact and ingestion. According to the Clay County Department of Health (DOH-Clay), they mostly appear due to warm water temperatures, sunlight, excess nutrients and still water conditions.

The University of Florida associate professor and researcher, who studies atmospheric chemistry, was curious whether the chemicals were also potentially airborne following the many health advisories from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection. 

Along with Doctors Lake, she studied several other “at-risk” bodies of water, including Orange Lake and Lake Okeechobee.

After talking with Jang, I learned that her results have not yet been published. She said that residents can expect them to be publicly released within the next four to six months, following extensive review and approval from various scientific experts.

In the meantime, Jang said she still recommends that people heed precaution when venturing around the lake during the summer.

As of May 15, DOH-Clay has again released an advisory for residents. 

If you have a question about your community that you want answered, email kyla@claytodayonline.com.