MICROSCOPIC IDENTIFICATION OF ALGAE

MICROSCOPIC IDENTIFICATION OF ALGAE

Collection of Algal sample

·       Microalgae and Macroalgae are collected using a knife or by hand.

·     Phytoplankton is collected using a mesh net. Water samples are kept overnight to settle or concentrate the algae towards the bottom.

·       Samples that are present in soil are difficult to collect.

·       Some data should be recorded before the next step of identification:

a)     Name of the Sample collector

b)     Date of Collection

c)     Locality of Collection

d)     The texture of water from which Algae is collected

e)     Algae either free-floating or attached

Microscopic Examination of Algae

·       Place a drop of Water or Specimen on a Microscope slide containing Algae.

·       Be sure to use a specimen of very small quantity to avoid clumping.

·       Gently cover the slide with a coverslip and view under a Microscope.

·       Observe slide in the microscopic range of about 40 X magnification.

·      Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) and Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM) are rarely used for this purposes they are only used for a few very small Algae.