How To Test For Blue Green Algae
Is it Blue-Dark-green Algae...Or Something Else?
What do blue-greenish algae blooms await like? Do they always expect the aforementioned? How can you tell blooms apart from their non-harmful look-alikes? Find the answers and helpful tips below.
Blooms don't all wait the same.
Bloom appearances can vary depending on the species present and their concentrations in the water. Generally speaking, the nearly common bloom conditions seen in Wisconsin outcome in water that:
While about blooms are green or blue in color, others tin exist turquoise, brown, and fifty-fifty vino-colored.
A bloom caused by the cyanobacteria species Planktothrix rubescans, which has a cherry-red pigment.
Blooms have döppelgangers!
Although they can look similar blue-light-green algae, these atmospheric condition practice non produce toxins and are Non harmful:
Did you know that the DPH HAB Program now offers an educational sign nearly blue-light-green algae and their wait-alikes? Local health departments and tribes can buy 12"x18" aluminum metal versions past emailing our program.
Simple, No-Price Tests for Identifying Blueish-Green Algae
The following tests* tin can be conducted past anyone wishing to tell apart potentially harmful blue-dark-green algae (cyanobacteria) from non- toxin-producing true algae (greenish algae). Remember to wear rubber or latex gloves for protection!
The Jar Test
- With gloves on, utilize a drinking glass jar to collect a sample just beneath the surface of the h2o (avoid collecting merely the top layer of scum).
- Fill the jar nearly 3-quarters full (leave room at the tiptop for gas production). Wipe any scum off the outside of the jar and screw the lid on.
- Get out the jar in a location where the contents will non be disturbed for two–iii hours.
- After 2 or three hours, observe the jar to run into where the algae take settled. Algae that sink to the lesser are likely true algae, and algae that form a greenish band at the tiptop of the water are likely blue-green algae (cyanobacteria).
The Stick Test
- With gloves on, push a long, sturdy stick into the surface of the algal fabric and slowly lift information technology out of the water.
- If the stick comes out looking like it has been dipped into a can of paint, the material is likely blue-green algae. If it comes out with long, green, hair-like strands or threads, the textile is probably truthful algae (filamentous green algae).
- While accumulations of filamentous green algae may be a nuisance in a lake, they are non a health risk.
*These tests may help you lot decide if you have higher levels of bluish-green in your lake, but they don't tell you whether or not the blue-green algae are actually producing toxins. When in doubt, it'southward best to go on out!
Mark your calendars! Bring together usa for our upcoming webinar!
On Mon, July 15, enjoy your luncheon (or try to) during a noontime webinar almost blue-light-green algae! The webinar will be hosted by the Section of Natural Resource and Department of Health Services. Gina LaLiberte, MS, volition provide a background on blue-dark-green algae biology and ecology, tips for how to recognize blooms, and volition highlight current research areas. Amanda Koch, MPH, will describe the man and animal health impacts of exposure to blue-light-green algae and present the public wellness approach to investigating blooms and related illnesses in Wisconsin. Visit world wide web.tinyurl.com/y4kwz5cu at 12:00 PM to view the presentation.
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Right-click the epitome and salvage it as a moving-picture show, and so you lot can use information technology with your post!
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E-mail united states your called-for questions! If others can benefit from hearing the answer to your question, we'll feature it in a time to come event.
Remember that we are always available for consultation on any HAB health-related result by email or phone (608-266-1120).
Source: https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/WIDHS/bulletins/2508e86
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