Water samples taken in Martin County show extreme toxicity in four bodies of water.
The analysis, done by chemists at the SUNY-College of Environmental Science and Forestry in New York, found that water samples from Leighton Park, Sandsprit Park, Deck and Central contained levels of microcystins that were "extremely high, well above the levels allowed for recreational contact."
Microcystins are toxins produced by cyanobacteria, also known as blue-green algae.
Those results are not surprising to Mary Radabaugh who manages Central Marine. That's one of the locations where tests showed extreme toxicity.
She says she already knew the waters at her marina were unsafe, and these latest results confirm that.However, Radabaugh says what she really wants are the results from the air quality tests.
"What we have been breathing? That's our biggest fear. What is it,” said Radabaugh.
Martin County officials contracted a company earlier this month to test the air quality at these locations, too. Those results are not back yet.
“It was a small little motor that had a little jar and they explained to me that that jar would collect air samples at different intervals," said Radabaugh.
Samples from Bathtub Beach were found to be non-toxic.
Meanwhile, lifeguards closed Bathtub Reef Beach for a second day in a row Friday after they spotted more algae.
You can read the full report here.
