Algae

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A highly diverse group of mainly aquatic, autotrophic, photosynthesizing organisms ranging from microscopic single-cell forms to multicellular forms, distinguished from vascular plants by the absence of structures such as true roots, stems, leaves and flowers. (Agrovoc)

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Harmful Algal Blooms

Algal blooms are caused by abnormal increases in the concentration in the water column of certain microscopic algae and algae-like organisms that can cause changes in the color of the water due to the pigments present in the microorganisms. Some of these organisms produce toxins that can be harmful to man, either directly or through the consumption of contaminated seafood. The term "harmful algal bloom" (HAB) is preferred over "red tide" because the blooms are not always red and are not directly associated with tides, and because the term "red tide" applies to many harmless blooms that discolor the water but may exclude many toxic blooms that do not cause water discoloration.

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Publications

The Ecology of Charophyte Algae (Charales)

Maximiliano Barbosa, Forrest Lefler, David E. Berthold, and H. Dail Laughinghouse IV

A Beginner's Guide to Water Management—Nutrients

Florida LAKEWATCH

Nutrients are substances required by all organisms for growth, and they are found in every aquatic system. Nutrients are also the object of much discussion by lake management professionals and the general public who are concerned about the influence nutrients sometimes have on the growth of algae and/or aquatic plants in lakes. Written for the lay public, this information circular is an ideal reference booklet for students and/or professionals interested in water management. First published Aug. 2000.

Cost Estimates for Producing Sargassum spp. Compost

Trent Blare, Afeefa A. Abdool-Ghany, and Helena M. Solo-Gabriele

This publication examines the costs that the city of Ft. Lauderdale incurred to establish a sargassum compost facility. The objective of this analysis is to provide insights to other municipalities and small businesses around south Florida who are considering starting similar composting operations with the expectation that sargassum composting will provide them with more space in their landfills while maintaining their beaches’ tourist appeal. The data for this analysis were collected through interviews in 2021 with several individuals in municipalities and small businesses, which use a wide range of sargassum management strategies. We found that Ft. Lauderdale saves at least $326,000 annually by operating its own composting facility.

Determination of Microalgal Concentration by Use of Turbidity Measurement

Huiping Yang and Jayme C. Yee

The goal of this study was to develop a rapid assessment of microalgal concentration using a turbidity meter to serve commercial shellfish hatcheries for feeding shellfish larvae and broodstock. We used four commonly used algal species, Tetraselmis suecica, Isochrysis galbana, Chaetoceros calcitrans, and Chaetoceros gracilis, generating serial dilutions of each and measuring cell concentrations and turbidity of each sample. We identified linear correlations between cell concentration and turbidity and established standard equations between cell concentration and turbidity for each species. We sampled and quantified algae from a shellfish hatchery using these equations and compared hemocytometer counts. No differences were found (P = 0.174), indicating the accuracy of the equations. We expect that this method can provide a quick, accurate, easy method for shellfish hatcheries to quantify algal concentration and avoid either over- or underfeeding larvae and broodstock.