General

This protocol is for the identification and cell count of phytoplankton in a water sample. The species density and diversity is typically monitored to enable decisions to be made regarding the management of the bloom in relation to the numbers and types of phytoplankton species either known to be toxic or to be potentially toxic. This work is best done by a specialist contract laboratory who can also advise on the density of toxic algae above which action is required to protect public or environmental health.

Protocol

The methods for sampling, preserving, concentrating and counting phytoplankton samples are documented in Standard Methods for the Examination of Water and Wastewater – 20TH Edition (APHA, 1998). The method numbers are 10200A, B, C, D, E, F.

Details regarding zooplankton counting techniques are documented method number 10200G in APHA (1998).

Costs

Sydney Water – six dominant species identification and cell count - $66
- full cell count - $110

Microalgal Services – marine and estuarine algal specialists
- full species dentification and cell count - $110

Case studies

Manual on Harmful Marine Microalgae. Hallegraf, G.M., Anderson, D.M. and Cembella, A.D Eds. IOC Manuals and Guides No.33 UNESCO 1995

Entwistle, T.J., Sonneman, J.A. and Lewis, S.H. (1997) Freshwater Algae in Australia Sainty and Associates, Sydney

People Contacts

Sydney Water – 02 9334 0841
Microalgal Services – Steve Brett – 03 9578 2158 (phone)
NSW DIPNR – Helen Keenan
NSW DEC – Penny Ajani
NSW DIPNR – Dr Lee Bowling

Organisation Contacts

NSW Safefood
http://www.safefood.nsw.gov.au/pages/1.0.about.htm

Murray Darling Basin Commission
http://www.mdbc.gov.au/

NSW Department of Infrastructure, Planning and Natural Resources
http://www.dipnr.nsw.gov.au/

NSW Department of Environment and Conservation
http://www.epa.nsw.gov.au/index.htm

CRC Freshwater Ecology
http://enterprise.canberra.edu.au/WWW/www-crcfe.nsf/d87a31d8f4603d1d4a256641000e9021/7e16e5963b71476b4a25664a004a2493?OpenDocument

CRC for Coastal Zone, Estuary and Waterway Management
http://www.coastal.crc.org.au/

Ozestuaries
http://www.ozestuaries.org/indicators/In_bio_diatom_species_f.html

Advanced References

Ling, H.U and Tyler, P.A (2000) Australian freshwater algae : (exclusive of diatoms) Cramer, Stuttgart

Entwistle, T.J., Sonneman, J.A. and Lewis, S.H (1997) Freshwater algae in Australia : a guide to Conspicuous Genera. Sainty & Associates, Sydney

Hasle, G.R. and Tomas, C.R (1997) Identifying marine phytoplankton Academic Press, San Diego

Tomas, C.R (editor), Throndsen, J. and Heimdal, B.R (contributors) (1993) Marine Phytoplankton: a guide to naked flagellates and coccolithophorids Academic Press, San Diego.

Standard Methods for the Examination of Water and Wastewater (1998) APHA