UC Merced Magazine | Commemorative Chronicle

Graduate researcher Felix Opoku (le ) with Professor Asa Bradman

The goal is to better understand where and why blooms occur, their health risks, and ways to track and reduce exposure,

ASA BRADMAN professor, PUBLIC HEALTH

laying the groundwork for stronger research and public protection.

FELIX OPOKU graduate student

Harmful algal blooms are increasing in California’s rivers and lakes, fueled by warmer waters, drought and nutrient runo . ese blooms release toxins that harm people, animals and ecosystems. Little is known about how humans are exposed, especially through air. A project led by Bradman and Opoku aims to ll that gap by reviewing literature, gathering state and federal data, and interviewing community and agency stakeholders. e goal is to better understand where and why blooms occur, their health risks, and ways to track and reduce exposure, laying the groundwork for stronger research and public protection.

UCMERCED MAGAZINE 26