CyanoHABs can take on many appearances and can occur in two places: floating in the water (planktonic) or on the bottom of lakes and rivers (benthic). It's important to recognize what these blooms look like to stay safe. They can be bright green or blue-green paint, thick pea-green soup, white or brownish-red foam or scum. Below are photos of planktonic CyanoHABs blooms that have occurred in various Oregon water bodies.
Benthic CyanoHABs are attached to the bottom of a lake or river. They can be attached to sand, rocks, or aquatic plants. They can be green, blue-green, or brownish-red. Benthic mat material can detach from the bottom and float to the surface of the water. This detached material can accumulate along the shore, and can even be dried on the beach. Below are photos of benthic CyahoHABs that have occurred in various Oregon and Washington waterbodies.
Top three photos, benthic mats attached to rocks, courtesty of Benton-Franklin Health District. Fourth photo, benthic mat attached to sand, courtesty of James Morrill. Bottom photo, detached benthic mat material accumulaing along the shore, courtesy of Ian Waite.
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Additional photos of CyanoHABs can be found at:
Interstate Technology Regulatory Council's website