Algae Identification
Algae Identificationfield guideAgriculture and Agri-Food CanadaAgri-Environment Services Branch
This publication is cited as:Huynh, M. and N. Serediak. 2006.Algae Identification Field Guide.Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada.40 pages.This publication is accompaniedby the Algae Identification Lab Guideby Huynh and Serediak (2006). Her Majesty the Queen inRight of Canada, 2011Cat. No. A125-8/2-2011E-PDFISBN 978-1-100-18309-1AAFC No. 11431EAussi offert en français sous le titre :Identification des algues : Guide de terrainFor additional copies of this publication or torequest an alternate format, please contact:Publications ServicesAgriculture and Agri-Food CanadaTower 4, Floor 0, Room 1601341 Baseline RoadOttawa (Ontario) K1A 0C5 CanadaTelephone: (613) 773-1444Fax: (613) 773-1498E-mail: publications@agr.gc.caDisclaimerResponsibility for interpretation of the contentcontained in this publication rests with the user.Information in this publication is provided solelyfor the user’s information and, while thought to beaccurate, is provided strictly “as is” and withoutwarranty of any kind, either expressed or implied.Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada will not be liableto you for any damages, direct or indirect, or lostprofits arising out of your use of this publication.
Algae Identification Field GuideAn illustrative field guide on identifyingcommon algae found in the Canadian PrairiesAgriculture and Agri-Food CanadaAgri-Environment Services BranchNancy SerediakStreamline ConsultingEdmonton, AB Canada Mai-Linh HuynhAgriculture and Agri-Food CanadaRegina, SK Canada
Field GuideAlgae IdentificationAcknowledgmentsThe authors sincerely thank the reviewers and supporters of this project: AAFC/AESB WaterQuality Division; Glen Brandt, AAFC-AESB; Garth Mottershead, AAFC-AESB; Wayne Wark,AAFC Communications; Mark Graham, University of Alberta; Ron Zurawell, Governmentof Alberta; and Bob Klemmer, Government of Saskatchewan. Their comments and recommendations have proven invaluable for ensuring the relevance and scientific accuracy of thereference manual and field guide. The authors are also grateful to the following for allowinguse of their photos: Charles Delwiche, David Patterson (micro*scope website), Morgan Vis,David Krogmann and Mark Schneegurt (Cyanosite website), Mark Graham, Steve Murrell,Ron Zurawell, David John, Brian Whitton, Peter York, Jane Jamieson, and Nick Stewart.The authors would also like to acknowledge Steve Murrell, AAFC/AESB Water QualityDivision, for coordinating and leading the quality assurance component of this project.The authors would also like to sincerely thank Michael Parry, AAFC-AESB GIS Unit inCalgary Alberta, for his hard work and collaboration in developing the GIS-based programtool for this project.04
The objective of the guide and manual is to provide a starting point in identifying the mostcommon or easily identifiable algal genera typically found in lakes, dugouts, wetlands andother freshwater lentic systems that are significant to our target audience. This starting pointfor algae identification is outlined as a two-step approach:Field GuideThe algae identification field guide and accompanying lab reference manual were created foragricultural field personnel interested in algae, such as agricultural extension staff, watershedgroups and individuals who work with agricultural surface water supplies. Algae listed in thisguide and manual are not organized according to their evolutionary relationship (i.e. taxonomically) as with most traditional classification keys, but are presented based on commonsituations or issues that are significant to our target audience. Algae are also classified intofour main groups (Palmer 1962): Blue-Greens, Greens, Diatoms and Flagellates. Informationon these algal groups are found in the Algae Identification Lab Guide.Algae IdentificationForewordA. In the field, where depending on the situation, using the three senses of sight, smelland touch will help give the user a primary assessment of which algal group orgenera the algae might belong to; andB. In the lab, where the identification of algae is validated using a compound microscope.Since there exists many diverse species within each genus of algae and many lookingvery similar macroscopically, verification of algae must be done using a microscope.Provided is a two part document on algae identification: the Algae Identification Field Guide(Part A) and Algae Identification Lab Reference Manual (Part B). As well, the field guideis available as a program tool compatible with ESRI’s GIS program ArcPAD, and is foundattached to this guide as a CD-ROM. This program tool improves the efficiency of algaeidentification and data collection than can otherwise be done with paper-based field guidesand data collection forms, as well as provides a way in which each sample can be plottedspatially for future reference.05
Field GuideTable of ContentsAlgae IdentificationIntroduction8The starting point10Surface bloom-forming algae12Algae interfering with coagulation26Attached algae and algal mats found near shore28Potentially threatening freshwater algae30Glossary of Terms33Photo credits34References36Recommended Reading37Index3807
Field GuideIntroductionAlgae IdentificationThey are organisms with a mixed evolutionary history that have four main commonalities:What are algae?1. They are very simple organisms with no vascular tissue. The only exception are brownalgae where they have a higher degree of organ differentiation.2. They have naked reproductive structures, i.e. there is no protective layer of cells aroundreproductive structures.3. They are photoautotrophic, i.e. they produce their own food materials through photosynthesis by using sunlight, water and CO2. There are some exceptions, such assome species of Euglena, where they ingest other organisms for food because theydo not have any chloroplasts.4. Similar to plants, they contain chlorophyll. However, not all algae are classified as plants.Where are they found?Algae commonly grow in any habitat where water or moisture is found. Habitats includefresh and salt water bodies, hot springs, ice, air, and in or on other organisms and substrate. In the Canadian Prairies, they are more common in summer than winter.They are also found in communities, living with many other different species of algae, plankton and zooplankton. These communities can tell you a lot about the health of the ecosystem. For example, a community of Euglena, Scenedesmus and Selenastrum likely indicatesa eutrophic water body.08
Algae are important indicators of ecosystem health and integrity because they form the baseof most aquatic food chains. Virtually all aquatic animals are dependent on this primary producer. Algae are also an excellent indicator of water quality, as their abundance and community composition most often reflects (and has the capacity to affect) the chemical properties of water such as pH and nutrient levels.Their ability to grow in large quantities can lead to dramatic changes in the appearance,taste and odour of water, and can negatively affect organisms in higher trophic levels (e.g.fish kills). Algae also can interfere with general water use and distribution, impairing waterpumps, filters, pipes, animal troughs and misters, boilers and cooling equipment. For prairiewater sources, algae can pose unique challenges for a variety of water uses because of thecommon and prolific growth cycles of algae during the open water season.Field GuideAlgae IdentificationWhy study algae?Knowledge about algae can provide valuable insights into water quality, indicating concernssuch as pollution to waterways, reduction in water flow, or a health and safety risk, as somealgal species are highly toxic to humans and livestock. Of significant concern for water usersis Cyanobacteria (sometimes referred to as “blue-green algae”). Cyanobacteria is actually abacteria that may produce lethal neurotoxins (brain toxin) or hepatotoxins (liver toxin), whichcan cause serious illness or death in humans and animals if the toxins are ingested.It is important to note that while algae tend to be the most notable problem or issue in anaquatic ecosystem, other planktonic biota or organisms, including zooplankton and macroorganisms (both plants and animals), can also affect the physical, chemical and bioticproperties of a water body. These factors should be taken into account when studying theaquatic ecosystem as a whole.09
Field GuideAlgae IdentificationThe starting pointStep One.Step Two.Which type of situation are youdealing with?Once you have matched your alga toa close description, there is a pagenumber beside the algal name. This pagenumber is makes reference to the AlgaeIdentification Lab Guide where you canfind more information about the alga andits characteristics under the microscope.For example, “Cladophora, pg 28”indicates that your alga may be from thegenus Cladophora and “pg 28” refersyou to page 28 of the Algae IdentificationLab Guide where you can find moreinformation about this genus.A. A surface water bloomGo to page 12B. Algae interfering with coagulationGo to page 26C. Attached algae and algae matsfound near shoreGo to page 28D. Potentially threatening freshwater algaeGo to page 30If you can not successfully matchyour alga to any of the algae descriptions,it is likely that your alga may not be listedin this guide.10
Field GuideAlgae IdentificationLegendStep Three.To validate your algae identification,collect a sample that can be broughtback to the lab and examined undera compound microscope.BGBlue Green(cyanobacteria)GRGreen AlgaeDMDiatomsFLFlagellates11
Surface Bloom-forming AlgaeSurface Bloom-forming Algae : Filamentous BloomsAlgae found in abundance near the surface of the water where light is present.To ensure the best possible algal match or matches, read all questions under eachcategory before selecting a genus or page number.Is the algae:1. Filamentous*?A. Does it have a septic odour and net-like appearance?Hydrodictyon Pg 14B. When squeezed, does it look like cotton?Cladophora Pg 14C. Does it feel silky or slippery?Spirogyra Pg 15D. Is it abundant near shore and leaves behind dried masses of algal paper?Oedogonium Pg 15E. Also see “Attached algae and algal mats” Pg 282. Planktonic*?A. Is it like pea-soup? And/or has a pigpen odour?Anabaena, Microcystis, Aphanizomenon Pg 16-17B. Is it spherical or globular?Gloeotrichia, Volvox, Nostoc Pg 18C. Does it have a grassy odour?Green algae, Ankistrodesmus Pg 19D. Is the bloom throughout the water column? And deep green or green-black?Oscillatoria, Pediastrum, Ankistrodesmus Pg 19-20E. Does it look like grass clippings?Aphanizomenon Pg 20F. Does it look like bright green foam?Euglena Pg 2012
A. Are they small, disc-like, bright green and have small roots on their undersides?Duckweed Pg 21B. Are they large, jelly-like balls?Nostoc Pg 21C. Is it plant-like, has whorled branches and smells of garlic or skunk?Chara Pg 224. Too small to see individuals or colonies? And the water is cloudy or coloured?A. Does it smell like geraniums or ripe cucumber? Musty or fishy?Asterionella, Synura, Dinobryon, Synedra Pg 23B. Also see Question #2, as the algae might be at different stage of developmentC. No smell, but the water is coloured reddish brown? Pg 25D. Common bloomers Pg 24Bright green foam - EuglenaFishy smell and green water - Chlamydomonas“Clean water” and clogged filter - CyclotellaSurface Bloom-forming Algae : Filamentous Blooms3. Jelly ball or aquatic plant-like?E. Other possibilities (no distinguishable field cues)Scenedesmus, Closterium, Spirulina Pg 25Planktonic or Filamentous Finger TestWearing gloves, scoop a handful of whatever is blooming in the water with fingers spreadslightly apart. Let the water drain and examine what remains. If long, stringy masses areleft dangling from the fingers, it is a filamentous form. If mostly everything drains throughthe fingers and only a few bits stick to the glove, then it is a planktonic form.FILAMENTOUSPLANKTONIC13
Filamentous BloomsSurface Bloom-forming Algae : Filamentous BloomsStringy algal matsDoes it have a septic odour and net-like appearance?Hydrodictyonpg 25 GRIn situ: D.M. John, York et al. (2002)Microscale: M. Vis, Ohio University (2002)The common name is “water net”. It can be found growing in hard water lakes and ponds.This genus is very susceptible to copper treatment.When squeezed, does it look like cotton?Colour also varies from green, yellow-brown to orange.Cladophorapg 29 GRIn situ: W. Bourland, micro*scope (2006)Microscale: W. Bourland, micro*scope (2006)It is commonly found attached to rocks or substrates but can be detached by wave action. It ismost often associated with streams, rivers and waterfalls. Septic odour can be present whenabundant from the decomposition of the mat.14
Filamentous BloomsIs it very silky or slippery?Spirogyrapg 30 GRIn situ: J. Jamieson, York et al. (2002)Microscale: Australian Biological Resources Study, micro*scope (2006)It is most likely a ‘frog-spit’ algae from the Order Zygnematales because of its silky/slippery qualities. Acommon genus from this Order is Spirogyra, also known as water silk or pond scum.Is it abundant near the shore and leaves behind dried masses of ‘algal paper’?OedogoniumSurface Bloom-forming Algae : Filamentous BloomsStringy algal matspg 28 GRIn situ: D. Patterson, micro*scope (2006)Microscale: D. Patterson, micro*scope (2006)When scooped up, it adheres to your hand rather than slipping through your fingers likeSpirogyra (above). This genus is very susceptible to copper treatment.15
Planktonic BloomsSurface Bloom-forming Algae : Planktonic BloomsDispersed in water and unattached to solid objectsIs it like pea-soup? And/or has a pigpen odour? Anabaena and Microcystis requirea microscope to view colonies, but are often distinguished by their pea-soup conditions.Aphanizomenon can often be identified macroscopically.Anabaenapg 15 BGIn situ: S. MurrellMicroscale (M. Graham and S. Murrell)This blue-green is capable of producing anatoxin, microcystin, or both. Blooms of some species ofAnabaena can cause death in pets, livestock and wildlife. It is prevalent in phosphorus-rich water.AphanizomenonIn situ: N. Serediakpg 18 BGIn situ: E. ZoskiMicroscale: W. Bourland,micro*scope (2006)The most easily recognized blue-green. Colonies form a distinctive shape that resembles tinygrass or green fingernail clippings. They are roughly 0.5 to 1.0cm long.Some species are capable of producing a neurotoxin called saxitoxin, similar to the paralytic shellfishpoisin that occur in marine environments. In North American freshwater environments, Aphanizomenonappears to be primarily non-toxic, although it can cause skin irritation to recreational water users.16
Planktonic BloomsIs it like pea-soup? And/or has a pigpen odour? Continued.Microcystispg 10 BGMicroscale: D. Krogmann andM. Schneegurt, Cyanosite (2006)Surface Bloom-forming Algae : Planktonic BloomsDispersed in water and unattached to solid objectsIn situ: P.V. York, York et al. (2002)In situ (R. Zurawell)Blooms appear to be very similar to Anabaena blooms. Microcystis is found throughout the watercolumn because they have gas vesicles that allow the colonies to regulate buoyancy.Some species are capable of producing microcystin, a hepatotoxin (liver toxin) lethal to pets, livestockand humans. They may cause skin irritation for recreational water users.17
Planktonic BloomsSurface Bloom-forming Algae : Planktonic BloomsDispersed in water and unattached to solid objectsIs it spherical or globular?And has a soft mucilage that is yellow-brown to light green, and slimy to touch?Gloeotrichiapg 17 BGHeavy blooms may cause serious skin irritations to recreational water users. When mature,colonies are visible to the naked eye and looklike tiny fish eyes, tapioca beads or pom poms.In situ photo not available.Microscale : P York, York et al (2002).Volvoxpg 20 GRBlooms are infrequent but will occur over shortperiods during warm months, especially inwaters contaminated with nitrogenous wastesor organically enriched water.Spherical colonies at their largest are visibleto the naked eye and can reach about 1mmin diameter. They are usually yellowish-brownto light green.In situ photo not available.Microscale: D. Patterson and M. Farmer micro*scope (2006)Nostocpg 16 BGNostoc is the most readily identified blue greenin the field and sometimes called “freshwatergrapes”. The colonies are in a jelly-like ball, whichare usually surrounded by thick mucilage. Somespecies are capable of producing cyanotoxins.It can be macroscopic in size and grow up to afew centimeters in diameter. Colour of the mucilage ranges from yellow-clear to blue-olive green.In situ (N. Serediak)18
Planktonic BloomsDoes it have a grassy odour? (Like freshly cut grass)Ankistrodesmuspg 22 GRGrassy odour is the most common odourproduced by green algae (not duringdecomposition). The smell is apparent onlywhen present in large numbers. Commongreen algae are Chlorella (Lab Guide pg 23and Ankistrodesmus.Presence of Ankistrodesmus is a goodindicator of clean water, since they tend todisappear from the algal community in verypolluted systems.Microscale: M Bahr and D Patterson, micro*scope (2006)In situ photo not available.Is the bloom throughout the water column? And deep green or green-black?Oscillatoriapg 13 BGSurface Bloom-forming Algae : Planktonic BloomsDispersed in water and unattached to solid objectsIt is a blue-greenthat can producemicrocystin(hepatotoxin)and anatoxin-a(neurotoxin)In situ: D. Krogmann and M. Schneegurt, Cyanosite (2006)PediastrumB Anderson and D Patterson, micro*scope (2006)pg 26 GRBlooms are throughout the water columnand thus do not result in surface scums.It is common in moderately nutrient-enrichedwater bodies. Also see Ankistrodesmus(above).In situ photo not available.Microscale: D. Patterson and M. Farmer, micro*scope (2006)19
Planktonic BloomsSurface Bloom-forming Algae : Planktonic BloomsDispersed in water and unattached to solid objectsDoes it look like grass clippings?AphanizomenonIn situ: N Serediakpg 18 BGIn situ, E ZoskiMicroscale: W. Bourland,micro*scope (2006)The most easily recognized blue-green. Colonies form a distinctive shape that resembles tinygrass or green fingernail clippings. They are roughly 0.5 to 1.0cm long.Some species are capable of producing a neurotoxin called saxitoxin, similar to the paralytic shellfishpoisin that occur in marine environments. In North American freshwater environments, Aphanizomenonappears to be primarily non-toxic, although it can cause skin irritation to recreational water users.Does it look like bright green foam or a thin film of scum?EuglenaIn situ (R. Zurawell)pg 36 FLIn situ (S. Reedyk)Microscale:D. Pattersonand M. Farmer,micro*scope (2006)Euglena is mostly found in freshwater habitats that are polluted by organic matter. Euglena blooms canalso be red and exhibit a foam-like appearance in full bloom.20
Are they small, disc-like, bright green and have small roots on their undersides?It is most likely not algae.Duckweedpg 39Surface Bloom-forming Algae : OtherOtherIn situ (N. Serediak)Duckweed is often referred to as algae, but it is an aquatic plant. Individuals are typically2-5cm long and by looking at the undersides, you can see short hair-like roots.Are they large, jelly-like balls?Nostocpg 16 BGNostoc is the most readily identified blue greenin the field and sometimes called “freshwatergrapes”. The colonies are in a jelly-like ball, whichare usually surrounded by thick mucilage. Somespecies are capable of producing cyanotoxins.It can be macroscopic in size and grow up to afew centimeters in diameter. Colour of the mucilage ranges from yellow-clear to blue-olive green.In situ (N. Serediak)Also see:Volvox and Gloeotrichiago to page 1821
Surface Bloom-forming Algae : OtherOther22Is it plant-like, has whorled branches and smells of garlic or skunk?Charapg 32 GRChara is also known as “stonewort”.It has a plant-like appearance andcan grow several decimeters tall.It is easily recognized by their muskyor garlicky odour.Chara is abundant in hard, basic water(ph 7), where calcium is abundant.In situ: N.F. Stewart, York et al. (2002)
Too small for the naked eyeDoes it smell like Geraniums? Musty? Ripe cucumber? Or fishy?Asterionellapg 33 DMSynurapg 37 FLMicroscale: M.Vis, Ohio University (2002)Microscale: W. Bourland, micro*scope (2006)Abundant in hard water lakes and knownto clog filters. Geranium odour is present inlow to moderate numbers; but changes tofishy in high numbers.Common in hard water lakes. Exhibits a ripecucumber/musk melon smell in low to moderatenumbers; but fishy in high abundance.In situ photo not available.In situ photo not available.Dinobryonpg 38 FLSynedrapg 39 DMMicroscale: W. Bourland, micro*scope (2006)Microscale: M.Vis, Ohio University (2002)Commonly bloom in summer in basic eutrophicbodies and exhibits a fishy odour. Also known toclog filters.In moderate to high abundance, Synedra has anearthy to musty odour. Well-known to clog filtersbecause of its rigid walls.In situ photo not available.In situ photo not available.Surface Bloom-forming Algae : Too small for the naked eyeWater appears cloudy or coloured. Also see Planktonic Blooms on pages 16-20.23
Too small for the naked eyeSurface Bloom-forming Algae : Too small for the naked eyeWater appears cloudy or coloured. Also see Planktonic Blooms on pages 16-20.Easilymicroscope.bloomers.Does itidentifiedlook like algaebrightusinggreenafoamor a thinCommonfilm of scum?Euglenapg 36 FLIn situ (R. Zurawell)Microscale:D. Pattersonand M. Farmer,micro*scope (2006In situ (S. Reedyk)Euglena is mostly found in freshwater habitats that are polluted by organic matter. Euglena blooms canalso be red and exhibit a foam-like appearance in full bloom.Chlamydomonaspg 19Chlamydomonas is found in a variety of habitats,even snow in the high alpine! It exhibits a fishysmell in high numbers, and often colours thewater green.In situ photo not available.Microscale: D. Patterson and A. Laderman, micro*scope (2006)Cyclotellapg 35Cyclotella is a common bloomer of the diatoms.It is a well known filter clogger and often found in‘clean’ water.In situ photo not available.Microscale: M. Bahr and D. Patterson, micro*scope (2006)24
Too small for the naked eyeEasily identified algae using a microscope.Algae commonly found in the plankton community.Scenedesmuspg 24 GRBlooms can colour the water a lovely shade of green.It is common in freshwater aquaria and is a typical memberof the open water plankton community.In situ photo not available.Microscale: L.A. Zettler and D. Patterson, micro*scope (2006)Closteriumpg 31 GRClosterium is common in acid waters, while onlya few species are found in nutrient rich hard waters.It is generally found mixed with other species ofgreen algae.In situ photo not available.Microscale: D. Patterson and A. Laderman, micro*scope (2006)Spirulinapg 14 BGSurface Bloom-forming Algae : Too small for the naked eyeWater appears cloudy or coloured. Also see Planktonic Blooms on pages 16-20.Microscale: D. Patterson, L.A. Zettler and V. Edgecomb, micro*scope (2006 )Spirulina does not produce intense blooms or toxins. It is commonly marketed by health food producers as a general curative. In situ photo not available.No smell? But the water is reddish-brown?It could likely be that the water is high in dissolvedorganic carbon- dissolved compounds from organicmaterial. Leached tannins and lignins from decomposing plant matter can create tea-coloured water.Another possibility is that the water may be high iniron, or polluted with other chemical compounds.In situ: M. Huynh25
Algae interferingAlgae interfering with coagulationwith coagulationEuglenapg 36 FLIn situ (R. Zurawell)In situ (S. Reedyk)Microscale:D. Pattersonand M. Farmer,micro*scope (2006Euglena is mostly found in freshwater habitats that are polluted by organic matter. Euglena blooms canalso be red and exhibit a foam-like appearance in full bloom.AnabaenaIn situ: S. Murrellpg 15 BGMicroscale (M. Graham and S. Murrell)This blue-green is capable of producing anatoxin, microcystin, or both. Blooms of some species ofAnabaena can cause death in pets, livestock and wildlife. It is prevalent in phosphorus-rich water.26
Algae interferingAsterionellapg 33 DMAbundant in hard water lakes and known toclog filters. Geranium odour is present in low tomoderate numbers; but changes to fishy in highnumbers.In situ photo not available.Microscale: M.Vis, Ohio University (2002)Synedrapg 34 DMAlgae interfering with coagulationwith coagulationIn moderate to high abundance, Synedra has anearthy to musty odour. Well-known to clog filtersbecause of its rigid walls.In situ photo not available.Microscale: M.Vis, Ohio University (2002)FYI:Relativetoxicityto coppersulphate*SusceptibleAnabaena, Microcyctis, Aphanizomenon, Oscillatoria, Closterium,Hydrodictyon, Spirogyra, Cladophora, Asterionella, Synedra,Dinobryon, Synura, Volvox, EuglenaResistantNostoc, Chlorella, Chara, Stigeoclonium, Ankistrodesmus,Scenedesmus, Chlamydomonas*See Recommended Reading Material “Algal treatment and removal”on page 37 at the back of this guide.27
Attached algaeAttached algae, algal mats found near shoreand algal mats commonly found near shoreMucilaginous and slimy film or tube on the substrate?Chroococcuspg 11 BGChroococcus is found attached to rocks orsoil in or near water and has a colourlessmucilaginous sheath.In situ photo not available.Microscale: B.A. Whitton, York et al. (2002)Gloeocapsapg 12 BGA subaerial genus that forms red, brown ororange jelly globs on substrates in or near water.In situ photo not available.Microscale: M. Vis, Ohio University (2002Tetrasporapg 21 GRColonies are in a soft, fragile, mucilaginous common tube or sac, which can be found attached toaquatic plants.In situ photo not available.In situ- collapsed tube: P.V. York, York et al. (2002)28
Attached algaeFloating mats or filamentous?StigeocloniumIn situ: P.V. York, York et al. (2002)pg 27 GRMicroscale: P.V. York, York et al. (2002)It is a distinctly bright green alga often attached to rocks in fast-flowing water. It is also a filamentousmat that will not pass though open fingers of a cupped hand.Attached algae, algal mats found near shoreand algal mats commonly found near shoreAlso see:Cladophorago to page 14Charago to page 22Oedogoniumgo to page 15Spirogyrago to page 15BGCommon blue-greens not listed in this manual that also form densemats include: Phormidium, Lyngbya, Tolypothrix and Stigonema.29
Potentially threatening freshwater algaePotentially Threatning Freshwater AlgaeListed below are common blue-greens known to cause low to serious risk to human health.Only certain species of the genera below are toxic. Microscopic work or lab testing is required.Is it like pea soup? And/or has a pigpen odour? A pigpen odour is usuallyassociated with Anabaena, Microcystis and Aphanizomenon.Anabaenapg 15 BGIn situ: S. MurrellMicroscale (M. Grahamand S. Murrell)This blue-green is capable of producing anatoxin, microcystin, or both. Blooms of some species ofAnabaena can cause death in pets, livestock and wildlife. It is prevalent in phosphorus-rich water.AphanizomenonIn situ: N. Serediakpg 18 BGIn situ: E. Zoski.Microscale: W. Bourland,micro*scope (2006)The most easily recognized blue-green. Colonies form a distinctive shape that resembles tinygrass or green fingernail clippings. They are roughly 0.5 to 1.0cm long.Some species are capable of producing a neurotoxin called saxitoxin, similar to the paralytic shellfishpoisin that occur in marine environments. In North American freshwater environments, Aphanizomenonappears to be primarily non-toxic, although it can cause skin irritation to recreational water users.30
Microcystispg 10 BGIn situ: P.V. York, York et al. (2002)Potentially Threatning Freshwater AlgaePotentially threatening freshwater algaeMicroscale: D. Krogmann andM. Schneegurt, Cyanosite (2006)In situ (R. Zurawell)Blooms appear to be very similar to Anabaena blooms. Microcystis is found throughout the watercolumn because they have gas vesicles that allow the colonies to regulate buoyancy.Some species are capable of producing microcystin, a hepatotoxin (liver toxin) lethal to pets, livestockand humans. They may cause skin irritation for recreational water users.31
Chloroplast - pigmented structure (organelle) within the cell that conducts photosynthesis.Coagulation - a chemical process that can reduce turbidity, dissolved organiccompounds, and colour (AAFRD 2002).Epiphytic/epiphyte - an organism attached to substrate or another organism.Field GuideAlgae - a group of organisms with mixed evolutionary history that share commoncharacteristics. The most notable being that they have no vascular tissue (with someexceptions), have naked reproductive structures, are photoautotrophic, and containchlorophyll (with some exceptions).Algae IdentificationGlossary of TermsFilamentous algae - long, multicellular threadlike filaments or masses of algae.Hepatotoxin - a toxin that affects liver function, such as microcystin.Lentic - standing water such as wetlands, dugouts, reservoirs and lakes. Antonym: lotic.Neurotoxin - a toxin that affects brain function, such as anatoxin and saxitoxin.Photoautotrophic - the ability to make food materials through photosynthesis byusing sunlight, water and CO2. Synonym: photosynthetic.Planktonic algae - single-celled organisms or aggregations of single-celled algaethat live near the water surface.Surface bloom-forming algae - algae found in abundance near the surface ofthe water where light is present.33
Field GuideAlgae IdentificationPhoto creditsPlantonic/Filamentous (page 7): N. Serediak.Microcystis: (in situ) R. Zurawell; (microscopic photo) D. Krogmann and M. Schneegurt.2006. Cyanosite. http://www-cyanosite.bi
Provided is a two part document on algae identification: the Algae Identification Field guide (Part A) and Algae Identification lab reference manual (Part B). As well, the field guide is available as a program tool compatible with ESrI's gIS program ArcPAd, and is found attached to this guide as a Cd-rom. this program tool improves the .
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Algae – Enter the Dark Zone Algae is a huge diverse family of plant-like organisms. Like plants they use photosynthesis to produce their substance from carbon dioxide and sunlight, and land-plants probably evolved from Algae, because many algae closely resemble these plants. However algae primarily live in
Algae (singular Alga) are eukaryotic plants and closely related to higher photosynthetic plants. Diversity of algae includes macroalgae and microalgae. Algae can be unicellular or multicellular. Like higher plants all algae do ha
An automotive cooling system usually consists of radiator, water pump, thermostat, radiator pressure cap, and electric cooling fan (Maple, 2008). The radiator is the main component as it was designed to remove heat from an engine block by using specified coolants. Generally, the coolant of the radiator is either water or water and ethylene glycol (anti-freezing fluid), which flows inside the .
