Can algae be beneficial to humans?

Algae provides the human body with not only the necessary nutrients we need to carry on through our day, but can help turn our planet into a more sustainable and healthy place to live.Click to see full answer. Just so, is algae bad for humans?Red tides, blue-green algae, and cyanobacteria are examples of harmful algal blooms that can have severe impacts on human health, aquatic ecosystems, and the economy. Algal blooms can be toxic. Keep people and pets away from water that is green, scummy or smells bad.Similarly, can algal blooms be useful? Harmful algal blooms are blooms of species of algae that can have negative impacts on humans, marine and freshwater environments, and coastal economies. Blooms can block light to organisms lower in the water column, or even clog or harm fish gills. Not all algal blooms are harmful, some can actually be beneficial. Considering this, how is algae used by humans? Algae also provide the bulk of the Earth’s oxygen supply through photosynthesis. But there is also a myriad of human uses for algae. We use algae for food, medicine, and even to combat climate change. Algae may even be used to produce fuel.Can algae make you sick?Yes, it is possible for blue-green algae to cause illness. Blue-green algae are capable of producing several different toxins. People may be exposed to these toxins through contact with the skin (e.g., when swimming), through inhalation (e.g., when motor boating or water skiing), or by swallowing contaminated water.