Algal Taxonomy Phycological Services
With more than four decades of experience with algal identification, our phycologists strive to remain up-to-date with the continually changing field of algal taxonomy. To ensure the most precise identification possible, we make identifications to the lowest practical level. Greenwater Laboratories offers PTOX Cyanobacteria Screening, Algal Enumeration and even Phycology Classes.
Potentially Toxigenic (PTOX) Cyanobacteria Screen
Wondering why your water is green or scummy? Worried you may have potentially toxigenic (PTOX) cyanobacteria? Get answers quickly by sending us a sample and requesting a PTOX cyanobacteria screen.
During the screening process, our experts use inverted microscopes equipped with phase contrast optics to see whether your sample contains these harmful organisms. By applying our experience and published research, our scientists then determine whether the cyanobacteria present a potential threat to you and other living organisms.
The screening process is mutually beneficial for our clients and GreenWater Laboratories. By identifying algae at the lowest practical level - prior to toxin analysis - our lab learns more about potential toxin producers. At the same time, our clients save money by avoiding unnecessary analyses and testing.
And the screening process is quick! We can complete the PTOX cyanobacteria screen within hours of receiving the sample. Typical turnaround time is less than one day from receipt.
Algal Enumeration
Does your water taste or smell off? Do you need help determining the health of your aquatic ecosystem and potentially develop an effective management system for nuisance algae? Then you will likely need a quantitative analysis of your algal community.
Algal enumeration quantifies the type and among of algae in a water sample, helps identify Harmful Agal Blooms (HABs), assesses drinking water quality issues like taste and odor, determines the health of an aquatic ecosystem and provides data to help develop effective management for nuisance algae.
At Greenwater Labs, we provide algal identification and enumeration on single groups of algae (i.e. cyanobacteria) or on the entire algal population. Our scientists record results for each species in natural units/mL (cells, colonies, filaments) and cells/mL. We tally numbers for each group of algae (i.e. diatoms, green algae, cyanobacteria) as well as the total sample cell density. Upon request, we can also provide biovolume estimates at an additional cost.
For a more detailed look at our phycological services, please click below for a complete Description of Services.
Phycology Classes
GreenWater Laboratories offers private algal taxonomy workshops at their lab in Palatka for groups under 4, or we can come to your facility. Workshops, led by Andrew Chapman, typically last 1-3 days.
Andy, who has been conducting workshops for more than 10 years, is GreenWater Laboratories’ senior psychologist since the lab’s establishment in 2001. A nationally recognized phycologist with more than 20 years of experience identifying algae, Andy has published numerous research articles on the subject of algae identification, including in the journals Harmful Algae and Phycologia.
Andy has consulted on algae-related issues for governmental organizations and private companies alike. Andy has organized, assisted and administered workshops on the identification and classification of freshwater algae for such organizations as the Florida Lake Management Society, the North American Lake Management Society, and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. His expertise in the field has made him a sought-after speaker at conferences and workshops around the country.
Reach out to learn more about phycology classes and book your workshop now.