We offer a highly efficient and cost-effective algal analysis service. Samples can be submitted via courier and an algal status report will be returned within 48 hours of any notified sample being received at our laboratory. Algal samples undergo phytoplankton identification by taxonomic groups to genus or species level, which can be quantified in cells/ml. Blue-green algal levels are highlighted along with trigger thresholds.
Algae
Algae are a hugely important, but often overlooked, part of every lake's ecology.
They are the start of every food chain in the system; providing food for zooplankton, invertebrates and grazing fish, which in turn provide food for larger fish species, birds and other wildlife.
Almost all lakes will have a diverse mix of diatoms, green algae, 'blue-green algae' (cyanobacteria) and others, naturally in their algae community. The abundance of the different species changes in a cycle throughout the year. Levels of algae may also change in response to significant changes in water quality. Analysis of the algae community can therefore be used as a useful indicator of overall water quality.
They are the start of every food chain in the system; providing food for zooplankton, invertebrates and grazing fish, which in turn provide food for larger fish species, birds and other wildlife.
Almost all lakes will have a diverse mix of diatoms, green algae, 'blue-green algae' (cyanobacteria) and others, naturally in their algae community. The abundance of the different species changes in a cycle throughout the year. Levels of algae may also change in response to significant changes in water quality. Analysis of the algae community can therefore be used as a useful indicator of overall water quality.
'Blue-green algae' or cyanobacteria
High levels of some species of cyanobacteria can be a serious issue for lake owners. They can be unsightly and can also release toxins which are harmful to animals and humans. Every year there are reports of dogs harmed or killed following exposure to 'blue-green' toxins.
The owner/manager of the waterbody is responsible for identifying any risk, such as high levels of cyanobacteria, posed by their lake and for taking steps to prevent harm coming to lake users.
Blueroof offers a highly efficient and cost-effective algal analysis service.
We can carry out microscope analysis of algae to provide a family/species list and/or cell counts, and also to provide evidence of the algae levels present.
A popular service is 'short-notice' identification and cell counts of cyanobacteria , eg: for water sport lakes. Samples can be submitted via courier and an algal status report will be returned within 48 hours of any notified sample being received at our laboratory.
The owner/manager of the waterbody is responsible for identifying any risk, such as high levels of cyanobacteria, posed by their lake and for taking steps to prevent harm coming to lake users.
Blueroof offers a highly efficient and cost-effective algal analysis service.
We can carry out microscope analysis of algae to provide a family/species list and/or cell counts, and also to provide evidence of the algae levels present.
A popular service is 'short-notice' identification and cell counts of cyanobacteria , eg: for water sport lakes. Samples can be submitted via courier and an algal status report will be returned within 48 hours of any notified sample being received at our laboratory.