Underwater Toxic Blooms in Lake Champlain | Burlington News

Burlington News Today | 2 Min News | The Daily News Now! · Jul 30, 2026 · 1m

Scientists are racing to track dangerous underwater bacteria in freshwater lakes this summer—benthic cyanobacteria that look like slimy boba pearls and can release potent neurotoxins. While surface blooms get most of the attention, these hidden lakebed growths may be even more hazardous. Lake Champlain researchers are now using a simple “stick test” to help the public spot them: if it’s like wet toilet paper, it’s likely toxic; if stringy like fabric, probably harmless. With climate change making warmer, nutrient-rich waters more common, understanding these invisible threats is critical—and…