Algae & Weed Identification

Algae

Algae identification can supply useful information about the productivity and health of a lake or pond. For example, some forms of algae are indicative of low nutrient conditions, while others indicate high nutrient levels and some species favor acidic conditions while others more basic. Some species, under optimal conditions, can grow to such high densities that they form algal blooms adversely affecting recreation, irrigation usage and ecosystem health.

Many of the bloom-forming algae are cyanobacteria (blue-green algae), some of which can potentially produce toxins that may have harmful effects on aquatic and terrestrial life. Some species of cyanobacteria, as well as some diatoms, chrysophytes and other types of algae, can produce taste and odor compounds which can impart off-flavor to fish or make drinking water taste unpleasant. It is critical to be able to differentiate between species that can potentially produce toxins, taste and odor compounds from more benign species. Lastly, properly identifying the algae species present allows Aquatic Biologists, Inc to properly manage the ponds. Do-It-Yourself Algae ID Form

Aquatic Plants (Weed)

Chemical control efforts will not be successful unless the aquatic plants to be controlled are properly identified. This can be accomplished several ways:

ABI prefers live samples for the identification of most aquatic weeds.

Take notes on the size and average depth of the pond, use of the water, extent of infestation and the frequency and amount of water flow out of the pond. Also, know the current and intended uses of the pond (irrigation, fishing, aesthetics, etc.). They may limit your management options. For instance, water-use restrictions may apply if certain herbicides or dyes are used, or if you have endangered- or threatened-species restrictions.

Instructions for algae sample collection:
For algal identification use plastic container(s) with screw-top lids. Collect 500mL to 1L of water. If no surface scum is present collect subsurface water by filling bottles at “elbow depth” in the lake. If a surface scum is present fill 1 bottle with surface water and one with subsurface water. Fill out our Do-It-Yourself Weed ID Form
Shipment of algae samples:
Make sure caps are on tight. Label bottles using a waterproof pen (i.e.Sharpie) with the name of water body, date of collection, time of collection and whether it is a surface or subsurface sample.
Place bottle(s) in a cooler and add a frozen blue-ice pack (do not add real ice; if a blue-ice pack is not available just dampen some paper towels or newspaper in cold water and wrap around the bottles).
Please contact ABI prior to shipping so we know when to expect the samples to arrive and to provide you with the laboratory address. Samples should be shipped overnight. If you are unable to ship the samples the day of collection, samples may be stored for short periods of time (1-2days) in the refrigerator before shipping.

Enclose a check for $110.00 for each sample you wish to have I.D. with your shipment. Samples will not be processed without payment. An algal toxin analysis is available for an additional $200.00

How to Collect and Prepare an Aquatic Plant Sample

Step 1. Obtain an aquatic plant sample by dropping a weighted rake to the lake bottom and pulling up the vegetation snagged by the rake. Remove the plants from the rake, sorting out the different plant types. To keep the plants from drying out, sort them in a shallow pan filled with water.

Step 2. Rinse a few healthy specimens of the plant types of concern with water from the lake. Carefully lay the plants between two pieces of damp paper towel, place them in a plastic bag and seal the bag securely. Label the bag clearly with the date, name of the water body, location and depth of sample, and your name and telephone number.

Step 3. Mail the samples to ABI for identification as soon as possible along with a check for $50.00. Damp plant specimens in a plastic bag can easily be mailed in a regular envelope.

Step 4. If delivering a fresh (wet) sample in person, store it in a plastic jar filled with lake water in the refrigerator in the interim, and then transfer it to a small cooler with an ice pack for transport to an aquatic plant expert. Plant samples can usually be kept fresh in this way for up to five days.