In the News
The Power To Do Coastal Impacts Research
September 16, 2025
After more than three years of logging and analyzing field data through COMPASS-FME, part of a large-scale collaborative project funded with $20 million from the U.S. Department of Energy, UToledo researchers are shifting from the observational to experimental in their exploration of how coastlines respond to changing water levels.
UToledo-Led Research Explores Flooding Impact on Freshwater Coastlines
September 3, 2025
COMPASS-FME aims to inform and improve models that forecast how coastal ecosystems will function under changing water levels and flooding.
UToledo Examines Link Between Soil, Extreme Weather and Airborne Algal Toxins
August 21, 2025
A new study led by Dr. Kennedy Doro and Dr. David Kennedy will investigate how soil changes brought on by extreme weather events may help algal toxins spread in the air.
UToledo Research Suggests Grass Carp Removals Are Paying Off in Lake Erie Basin
August 19, 2025
New research published in the Journal of Great Lakes Research identifies a positive correlation between removal efforts and the mortality rate of the invasive species.
Researchers Look to Microbial Interactions for Early Indicators of Harmful Algal Blooms
July 24, 2025
The College of Engineering’s Dr. Dae-Wook Kang and Mashuk Siddiquee led the research supported by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
New UToledo Study Examines Threat of Tiny Airborne Plastics
July 17, 2025
Dr. Steven Haller and Dr. David Kennedy from the Department of Medicine have published research looking at how tiny, inhaled plastic particles can cause chaos in our immune response.
UToledo Ecologists Report Promising First-Year Survival Rate Among Maumee River Sturgeon
July 3, 2025
Published in the North American Journal of Fisheries Management, the recent research supports an initiative to establish a self-sustaining population of naturally reproducing lake sturgeon in the Maumee River.
UToledo Microbiologists Document Algal Toxins in Lake Erie Beach
June 12, 2025
Accumulated microcystin persists in foreshore sands for up to three weeks, according to recently published research in the peer-reviewed Journal of Great Lakes Research.
Medical Researchers to Discuss Health Impacts of Harmful Algal Blooms at UToledo Lake Erie Center
March 24, 2025
UToledo’s Dr. Joan Duggan, Dr. Steven Haller and Dr. David Kennedy will present a free, public lecture at 7 p.m. Thursday.
UToledo Researchers Advance Renewable Energy, Water Sustainability Through International
Collaboration
February 24, 2025
A pair of UToledo researchers traveled to Serbia in October to collaborate on the development of renewable energy solutions and water sustainability initiatives.
UToledo Research to Help Water Utilities Evaluate Use of Algaecides
January 22, 2025
Dr. Youngwoo Seo, a professor in the Departments of Civil and Environmental Engineering and Chemical Engineering, led the research published recently in the peer-reviewed Journal of Environmental Management.
UToledo Ecologist Explores Effect of Algal Toxins on Photosynthesis
January 13, 2025
Dr. Scott Heckathorn, a professor in the Department of Environmental Sciences, led recent research published in the peer-reviewed journal Plants.
Environmental Sciences Course Explores Intersection of Algae and Art
December 10, 2024
Algae, Art and the Environment explores the interface of art and science, blending traditional laboratory instruction with opportunities for creative expression.
UToledo Faculty Advance Ohio’s Harmful Algal Bloom Research Initiative
December 6, 2024
Ohio Sea Grant released its annual update on statewide efforts to seek solutions for harmful algal blooms in Lake Erie on Wednesday.
UToledo Chemist Receives NIH Environmental Research Award to Identify Novel Algal Toxins
September 5, 2024
Dr. Dragan Isailovic, a professor in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, will use advanced bioanalytical and biophysical chemistry techniques to identify new cyanotoxin congeners in the Maumee River and western Lake Erie.
The Power To Do Public Impact Research
July 23, 2024
Since a harmful algal bloom forced the city of Toledo to issue a “Do Not Drink” water advisory in 2014, UToledo has been working to protect water quality and the health of Lake Erie for the half million people in the region who depend on it for drinking water. This five-part series details UToledo’s water quality research efforts over the past decade.
UToledo Experts Explore Policy, Land Management as Means to Prevent Harmful Algal Blooms in Great Lakes
July 19, 2024
This is the fifth in a five-part series detailing UToledo’s water quality research efforts over the past decade.
UToledo Leads Charge to Understand Health Effects of Harmful Algal Blooms
July 18, 2024
This is the fourth in a five-part series detailing UToledo’s water quality research efforts over the past decade.
UToledo Lends Expertise, Data Analysis to Utilities Tasked With Protecting Region’s Drinking Water
July 17, 2024
This is the third in a five-part series detailing UToledo’s water quality research efforts over the past decade.
UToledo Research Advances Efforts to Monitor Harmful Algal Blooms in Western Lake Erie
July 16, 2024
This is the second in a five-part series detailing UToledo’s water quality research efforts over the past decade.
10 Years After Water Crisis, UToledo Researchers Remain Committed to Protecting Region’s Drinking Water
July 15, 2024
This is the first in a five-part series detailing UToledo’s water quality research efforts over the past decade.
UToledo to Evaluate Effects of Airborne Algal Toxins in 200 Northwest Ohioans
July 11, 2024
The first-of-its-kind study will provide key data on the health effects of aerosolized cyanotoxins in individuals who spend significant time near Lake Erie.
Advanced Algae Sensor Tested in Toledo Proves Valuable Tool in Protecting Drinking Water
June 20, 2024
Installed by UToledo scientists, the real-time algae sensor is part of a wider-reaching initiative aimed at the early detection and management of harmful algal blooms sponsored by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
UToledo, National Lab Investigate What Fuels Growth of Lake Erie’s Algal Blooms
June 13, 2024
Dr. Dragan Isailovic, Sanduni Premathilaka and Dr. Sharmila Thenuwara, researchers in UToledo's Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, co-authored a recent article in the International Society of Microbial Ecology Journal.
UToledo Chemists Investigate Corncobs to Remove Algal Bloom Toxins From Water
June 6, 2024
Dr. Dragan Isailovic, a professor in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, led new research indicating that carbonized corncobs are as effective in laboratory experiments at removing cyanotoxins from water as commercial activated carbon.
UToledo Partners with University of Michigan to Lead Great Lakes Research Project
June 3, 2024
The federally funded Great Lakes Center for Fresh Waters and Human Health will research the link between climate change, harmful algal blooms and human health.
UToledo Lake Erie Center to Host Smart Buoy Network Training Ahead of Algal Bloom Season
April 8, 2024
For nearly a decade, researchers and water treatment plant operators have come to the Lake Erie Center to synchronize the devices ahead of each spring deployment.
UToledo Receives $1.2 Million from State’s Harmful Algal Bloom Research Initiative
March 25, 2024
The five UToledo research projects funded are part of a $5 million award from the Ohio Department of Higher Education shared among seven state universities.
UToledo Environmental Scientist to Collaborate on $8.4M Tidal Marsh Research Project
March 6, 2024
Dr. Inke Forbrich is an assistant professor in the Department of Environmental Sciences.
ERIeDNA Invites Community to Join Research of Lake Erie Microbiome
October 16, 2023
ERIeDNA is a community-driven science program based out of Dr. Trisha Spanbauer’s lab for volunteers of all ages to collect water samples throughout the local watershed.
Water Task Force Research Showcase
- University of Toledo Holds Water Research Showcase| WTOL 10/23/2023 - Research Showcase Highlights Water Quality Projects at UToledo| 13 ABC 10/23/2023
UToledo Collaboration to Study Climate Change and Other Factors Impact on Coastal Systems
- From Ghost Forests to Ghastly Algal Blooms, What's Happening with Coastlines? | The Blade 3/9/2022
- Ohio Lake Erie Commission Talks Outlook of New Programs at Quarterly Meeting | WNWO 3/9/2022
Cholera Researcher Makes Surprising Discovery in Lake Erie & Maumee River
- Cholera Researcher Makes Surprising Discovery Close to Home | UToledo News 2/23/2022
Study Shows Critical Need to Reduce Use of Road Salt in Winter
- Road Salt Pollution Levels Deemed Safe in U.S. and Canada May Not Protect Ecosystems
Enough | Smithsonian
Magazine 3/10/2022
- Road Salt Works. But It's Also Bad for the Environment | The New York Times 1/7/2022
- Road Salt Contamination of Freshwater "Requires Immediate Attention," Warns Scientist | TheHill.org
- Citing Danger to Freshwater, Scientists say We Need to Put Brakes on Road Salts | The Washington Post 1/2/2022
- Study Shows Critical Need to Reduce Use of Road Salt in Winter | LabManager.com 12/28/2021
- Road Salt is Wreaking Havoc on Our Drinking Water and the Environment, Study Says | Popular Mechanics 12/22/2021
- Study Shows Critical Need to Reduce Use of Road Salt in Winter, Suggests Best Practices | UToledo News 12/9/2021
Tracking Newly Released Sturgeon in Lake Erie
- Bringing Back Lake Sturgeon | WTVG 10/4/2021
- Graduate Student Tracking Newly Released Sturgeon in Lake Erie | UToledo News 10/1/2021
Water Task Force Provides Update on Lake Erie Research
- UToledo Water Task Force Updates Season Findings on Water Quality | WTVG 10/1/2021
- UToledo's Water Task Force Discusses the State of Lake Erie | WTOL 10/1/2021
- UToledo Water Task Force Discusses Water Quality Research | WNWO 10/1/2021
- UT Fills in Officials Over Some Crisis-Inspired Lake Erie Research | The Blade 9/30/2021
- UT Fills in Officials Over Some Crisis-Inspired Lake Erie Research | Yahoo! News 9/30/2021
Dr. Thomas Bridgeman Discusses Great Lakes Report Card
- C+: Western Lake Erie Receives Mediocre Score on New Report Card | GreatLakesNow.org 10/07/2020
UToledo Scientist Awarded NOAA Grant for Clean Water Advances
- UT Scientist Receives $1.1 Million Grant for Work in Clean Water Solutions | WTVG 10/07/2020
- NOAA Grants Ohio Researchers $1.1 M to Develop Global Solution for Filtering Freshwater | Science Times 10/07/2020
- UToledo Awarded $1.1 Million Federal Grant to Advance Clean Water Technology | UToledo News 10/07/2020
Smaller Bloom in Lake Erie This Year
-Smaller Algal Bloom in Lake Erie This Year | WTVG 9/4/2020
State Awards UToledo Grant to Lead Harmful Algal Bloom Research
-Universities Get Algae Research Grants | WTVG 5/15/2020
-U.T. & BGSU Research Grants: Lead Projects on Algal Bloom Research | WNWO 5/15/2020
-State Awards UToledo $613,436 to Lead Harmful Algal Bloom Research Projects | UToledo News - 5/14/2020
Can Beet Juice Make Road Snow Removal Safer for the Environment?
-Beet Juice: A Magic Bullet or a Hidden Danger in Snow Removal? | WTOL 2/14/2020
Lake Erie Water Levels Rising
-Lake Erie Water Levels Rising, Which Could Cause Flooding in Spring | WNWO 1/29/2020
Local Effort to Develop Portable Toxin Meters Wins Federal Grant
- Local Effort to Develop Portable Toxin Meters Wins Federal Grant | Toledo Blade 10/02/2019
Agal Bloom in Lake Erie
- Agal Bloom Growing in Lake Erie | WTOL - 7/19/2019
- UToledo Develops Drone Capable of Tracking Algal Bloom | WTOL - 7/19/2019
Sensors for Lake Erie Get Tuneup for Algal Bloom Season
- Large Harmful Algal Bloom Expected on Lake Erie this Summer | WTVG - 5/31/2019
- Algal Bloom Sensors Readied at UToledo Lake Erie Center | WTOL - 5/31/2019
- Scientists, Water Treatment Plant Managers Prep Sensors for Lake Erie Algal Bloom
Season | WNWO - 5/31/2019
- Sensors for Lake Erie Early-Warning Buoy Network to Get Tuneup for Algal Bloom
Season | UT News - 5/28/2019
Boat Tour Highlights Watershed Projects
- Boat Tour Highlights Projects to Clean Up Waterways | WTVG - 5/28/2019
Water Research at The University of Toledo
- Jason Huntley's research lab recently made major progress in his mission to create
a biofilter that uses naturally occurring Lake Erie bacteria to remove microcysitn
released by harmful algal blooms from drinking water, reducing or eliminating the
use of chlorine and other chemicals | UToledo 04/15/2019
UToledo Biologist Scour Rivers for Grass Carp
- University of Toledo Biologist Scour Rivers for Grass Carp | Toledo Blade 04/11/2019
UToledo Researchers Capture First Newly Hatched Invasive Grass Carp Within Great Lakes
Watershed
- UToledo Researches Capture First Newly Hatched Invasive Grass Carp Within Great Lakes
Watershed | UT News -
3/6/2019
Researchers and Plant Operators Tune Up Equipment for HAB Season
- Scientists Prepare Lake Erie Algae Monitoring Equipment at UToledo Lake Erie Center | WTVG - 3/6/2019
- Scientists Tune Up Lake Erie's Alarm System for Toxic Algae Blooms | Toledo Blade - 3/4/2019
- Water Treatment Plant Operators at UToledo Lake Erie Center to Test, Calibrate Water
Quality
Monitoring Device | WTOL - 2/26/2019
UToledo Researchers Develop Technology to Naturally Reduce Algal Toxins in Lake Erie
- Scientists Advance New Technology to Protect Drinking Water from Lake Erie Algal Toxins | Phys.Org - 2/11/2019
- Scientists Advance New Technology to Protect Drinking Water from Lake Erie Algal
Toxins | ScienceDaily - 2/11/2019
- UT Scientists Make Significant Progress in Fight Against Lake Erie Algal Bloom | WNWO - 2/12/2019
- UT Researchers Develop Technology to Naturally Reduce Microcystin Toxicity | WTOL - 2/12/2019
- UT Scientists Advance New Technology to Protect Drinking Water from Lake Erie
Algal Toxins | UT News - 2/11/2019
Michigan Researcher to Speak at Lake Erie Center | UT News - 11/8/2018
State Honors UToledo Algae Expert for Leadership of Ohio HAB Research Initiative
- State Honors UT Algae Expert for Leadership of Ohio Harmful Algal Bloom Research
Initiative | UT News - 10/22/2018
- State Honors UT Algae Expert | WTVG 13 ABC Affiliate - 10/22/2018
- UT Professor Honored by State for Algae Research | WTOL 11 CBS Affiliate - 10/22/2018
- UT Algae Expert Honored by State | WNWO 24 NBC Affiliate - 10/22/2018
UT Algal Bloom Expert Discusses Health of Lake Erie | WTOL 11 CBS Affiliate - 10/19/2018
Hundreds Cheer as Sturgeon Return to Maumee River | The Blade - 10/06/2018
Toledo Officials: Algae Bloom Over for Now | The Blade | 10/04/2018
UT Algae Expert Looks Back on '18 Algal Bloom Season | WNWO 24 NBC Affiliate - 10/02/2018
Annual Boat Cruise Teaches Passengers About Toledo's Water Quality | WTVG 13 ABC Affiliate - 08/06/2018
Mayor Touts Water Plant, Blames Lawmakers for Lake Erie Algae Woes | The Blade - 7/17/2018
Tom Bridgeman Discuss Algal Bloom Forecast | WTOL 11 CBS Affiliate - 7/18/2018
Algal Bloom Found Early in Lake Erie
- Large Algal Bloom Found Early | WNWO 24 NBC Affiliate - 7/5/2018
- Algae Bloom Taking Shape on Lake Erie | WBFO 88.7 Buffalo's NPR News Station - 7/5/2018
- Mini Algae Blooms Arrive Earlier, Larger Than Normal as Lake Erie Temps Touch 80 Degrees | clevescene.com - 7/3/2018
Bacteria Again Foul Western Lake Erie Beaches | The Blade - 06/21/2018
Toledo's Harmful Algal Bloom Season Comes to End | The Blade - 10/23/2017
UT Researchers Declare End of Harmful Algal Bloom Season | WNWO 24 NBC Affiliate - 10/24/2017
Mayor Confirms the End to Harmful Algal Bloom Season | WTOL 11 CBS Affiliate - 10/24/2017
UT Scientist to Discuss Importance of Rivers for Lake Erie Fish Oct. 19 | UT News - 10/17/2017
Rain to Flush Algae, But Old Problems Remain | WTVG 13 ABC Affiliate - 10/12/2017
Algae in Maumee River Yet Another Wakeup Call for Toledo | The Blade - 10/12/2017
Dr. Tom Bridgeman Updates on the Algal Bloom in the Maumee River | WTVG 13 ABC Affiliate - 10/9/2017
UT Environmental Law Expert Ken Kilbert Discusses Lake Erie Water Quality Issues | WTOL 11 CBS Affiliate - 10/9/2017
Great Lakes Water Conference - November 6, 2017 at UT College of Law
- Lake Erie Water Takes Center Stage at UT | WTVG 13 ABC Affiliate
- UT Law School Hosts Great Lakes Water Conference | WTOL 11 CBS Affiliate
- Great Lakes Conference Discusses Lake Erie Impairment | Toledo Blade
Lake Erie Center Finds Evidence of Grass Carp Spawning in Maumee River | WTVG 13 ABC Affiliate - 10/4/2017
UT Research Discovers First Grass Carp Eggs in Maumee River | UT News - 10/3/2017
UToledo Water and Health Experts Weigh in on Toledo Water Quality
- WTOL 11 CBS Affiliate - Toledo, OH 9/29/17
- WTVG 13 ABC Affiliate - Toledo, OH 9/29/17
- WNWO 24 NBC Affiliate - Toledo, OH 9/29/17
Toledo Mayor says Drinking Water is Safe Despite Algae Bloom | Toledo Blade - 9/28/17
Dr. Ken Kilbert Discusses "Impaired" Status for Lake Erie | WTVG 13 ABC Affiliate - 9/28/2017
Algae Bloom Stretches to Canada but Toledo Water Safe to Drink | Toledo Blade - 9/27/2017
Algae Research in the Maumee River | WNWO 24 NBC Affiliate - 9/25/2017
Algae Research in the Maumee River | WTOL 11 CBS Affiliate - 9/25/2017
Algae Bloom in Lake Erie Brings Green Scum Water | MLive - 9/22/2017
Experts Work to Understand Harmful Algae | WTOL 11 CBS Affiliate - 09/15/17
Dr. Glenn Lipscomb on Water Purification | WTVG 13 ABC Affiliate - 9/15/2017
UT Receives $2.4 Million for Algae Fuel Research | WTOL 11 CBS Affiliate - 09/12/17
Grass Carp Egg Discovery Could Be Bad News for Ohio's Wetlands | WKSU - 9/12/17
Nearly $2.4 Million Federal Grant Awarded to Help UT Researcher Turn Algae into Fuel Source | UT News - 9/12/17
UT's New Drinking Water Research Lab | WTVG 13 ABC Affiliate - 9/13/2017
UT Debuts New Drinking Water Research Lab | WTVG 13 ABC Affiliate - 9/13/2017
UT's New Drinking Water Research Lab | WTOL 11 CBS Affiliate - 09/06/17
Ribbon Cutting Sept. 5 to Celebrate New Drinking Water Research Lab | UT News - 9/5/17
UT's New Lab Promises Quicker, More Accurate Water Testing | Toledo Blade - 9/4/17
UT's New Drinking Water Research Lab Allows Cities to Test Safety of Public Water Supply | WTOL 11 CBS Affiliate - 09/04/17
Biologists Swarm Sandusky River in Search of Grass Carp Invaders | Toledo Blade - 09/03/17
Dr. Christine Mayer on Lake Erie Fish Decline | WTVG 13 ABC Affiliate - 8/28/2017
UT to Participate in Multi-Agency Action Targeting Grass Carp in Sandusky River | UT News - 8/28/17
Study Focuses on Impact of Algal Blooms on Turtles | Toledo Blade - 8/26/2017
UT Researchers Looking at 2017 Algae Bloom | WTOL 11 CBS Affiliate - 08/23/17
Tom Bridgeman Talks Algae | WTOL 11 CBS Affiliate - 08/15/17
Scientist Trying to Revive Sturgeon Receives Fellowship| Sandusky Register - 08/08/2017
UT Student Studying Sturgeon Selected for National Fellowship | WTVG 13 ABC Affiliate - 8/8/2017
UT Grad Student Selected as Finalist for National Fellowship from Sea Grant | UT News - 8/7/2017
Tom Bridgeman on No Swimming at Maumee Bay | WTOL 11 CBS Affiliate - 8/7/2017
Toledo Researchers Look into Impact of Toxic Algae | Toledo Blade - 8/6/2017
UT Professor Discusses Algae - WTOL 11 CBS Affiliate | 7/13/17
Researchers Pull Samples to Combat Toxic Summer Algae Blooms | Toledo Blade - 7/12/2017
Harmful Algal Bloom Report Released | WTVG 13 ABC Affiliate, published 7/11/17
Ohio HAB Research Highlights UT Water Quality Research | WTOL 11 CBS Affiliate. published 7/11/17
University of Toledo Research Included in 2017 Ohio Algal Bloom Report | WNWO 24 NBC Affiliate, published 7/11/17
2017 Report for Ohio's Harmful Algal Bloom Research Initiative Highlights UT Water
Quality Research
- Ohio Sea Grant Press Release, Columbus, OH 7/11/17
- Harmful Algal Bloom Research initiative Year 2 Project Update, Ohio Sea Grant, 7/11/17
UT Develops Test to Identify Algal Toxin Exposure
- WTOL 11 CBS Affiliate - Toledo, OH 7/5/17
- WSYX 6 ABC Affiliate - Columbus, OH 7/5/17
- WJW 8 FOX Affiliate - Cleveland, OH 7/5/17
- WHIO TV 7 CBS Affiliate - Dayton, OH 7/5/17
Dr. Tom Bridgeman Gives Outlook on Summer Algae Blooms | WTOL 11 CBS 6/28/17
Early Data Say Algae on Lake Will be Large | Toledo Blade, published 6/27/2017
Large Algal Bloom Expected on Lake Erie This Summer | WTVG 13 ABC, published 6/21/17
Microcystin levels low in Lake Erie | Toledo Blade, published 8/22/16
No one will save the lake for us | Toledo Blade, published 8/10/16
UT student discovers first grass carp eggs in Great Lakes tributary
UT students take daily dip to predict public swim safety at Lake Erie’s Maumee Bay State Park beach
UT helping effort to restore giant, ancient sturgeon to Lake Erie
Environmental Science & Technology Quantifying and Reducing Uncertainty in Estimated Microcystin Concentrations from the ELISA Method
http://www.cbsnews.com/videos/toledo-declares-drinking-water-safe-lifts-ban/
Wall Street Journal Lunch Break What’s an Algal Bloom?
Wall Street Journal Algae Blooms Making Toledo Water Undrinkable Are Thriving
Wall Street Journal Algae's Return Deals Setback to Lake Erie's Revival
13ABC News Why is the Toledo water crisis happening?
13ABC News Why are water test results taking so long?
The Sound of Ideas (WVIZ, 90.3WCRN (NPR), WCLV 104.9)
NPR Isabel Escobar on Toledo Water Ban
Toledo Free Press Experts address Lake Erie’s toxic algae at forum
WTOL 11 CBS Comparing tap water to pool water: What the numbers mean
Al Jazeera America Tonight Isabel Escobar discussing Algae on Lake Erie
Conklin & Company (13ABC) Part 1 and Part 2 Panel discussion on water quality
La Prensa Experts discuss water crisis at UT public forum
13ABC Using water filters after the crisis
13ABC Water quality improves around the Toledo intake
Research by Dr. Daryl Dwyer's Environmental Remediation and Restoration Lab has been featured on local news for a harmful algae update, water quality of Lake Erie's beaches, and natural removal of phosphorus.
New scale to rank season's algae, Toledo Blade 7/11/14
How clean is the water at Lake Erie beaches? Toledo Blade 7/3/14