Microcystis

Microcystis forms the toxic blooms that close lakes, poison water supplies, and kill animals worldwide. Unlike marine red tides, Microcystis blooms in freshwater - including drinking water reservoirs. Its toxin (microcystin) is a potent liver poison that can persist long after the visible bloom disappears.

Microcystis blooms are increasingly common as climate warming and nutrient pollution create favorable conditions. The algae don't cause the problem - they exploit conditions humans create. The business parallel is opportunistic actors who exploit system weaknesses: the visible 'bloom' is the symptom, not the cause. Addressing the underlying conditions matters more than fighting the bloom.