Services

We provide a full range of services related to water quality management, including aerial photography, taste and odor analyses, cyanobacterial toxin analyses, the identification and enumeration of phytoplankton (including cyanobacteria) and zooplankton, nutrient analyses, and pond management consultation (see list below). We aim to provide reliable and quick service at a fair price. Discounts are available for bulk and/or simplified analyses. Limited pro bono services may be available for some analyses for individuals or groups unable to cover expenses. Services that we are unable to complete to your or our satisfaction will not be charged. Methods for our services are published in the peer-reviewed, scientific literature. Feel free to contact us if you have any questions about our services.

Taste and odor analyses (SPME GC-MS)
2-methylisoborneol (MIB) and geosmin in water (~two day turnaround time)
Algal pigments
Chlorophyll a (phytoplankton; Chl a)
Phycocyanin (cyanobacteria; Phyco)
Aerial photography and videography
Drone photography and ArcGIS
Cyanotoxin analyses (ELISA)
Microcystin in algae (whole water or collected on filter)
Microcystin in water (whole water or dissolved)
Microcystin in fish tissue
Biological services
Phytoplankton enumeration
Zooplankton enumeration
Other water quality analyses
Total suspended solids (TSS)
Alkalinity (Alk)
Total phosphorus (TP)
Total nitrogen (TN)
Nitrate (NO3)
Nitrite (NO2)
Total ammonia nitrogen (TAN)
Soluble reactive phosphorus (SRP)

Ready to send us samples? Please include a completed service request form with the samples.

Chain of custody and service request form

About Us

Founded in 2008, we provide a reasonable resource for lake owners and water resource managers plagued with algal blooms and other water quality issues.  Our lab is fully equipped for a variety of water quality analyses and services, such as (1) taste and odor analyses (MIB and geosmin), (2) cyanobacterial toxin sample preparation and analyses (microcystin), (3) limnological nutrient analyses, (4) phytoplankton and zooplankton identification and enumeration, (5) pond management consulting, and (6) aerial (drone) photography and videography.  Although we specialize in the study of cyanobacteria (i.e., blue-green algae), we are knowledgeable about other algal species and water quality problems. Methods for the services we offer are published in the peer-reviewed, scientific literature and available when requested.

Our principal interest is helping others efficiently and cost effectively deal with water quality problems. Moreover, fees derived from our services will be returned to Auburn University to fund student-developed research and outreach projects and to provide opportunities for students to attend scientific conferences.  Please contact us if you have questions about our services.     

Using data we collected in collaboration with scientists at the Alabama Department of Environmental Management, we built simple models aimed at forecasting blooms of phytoplankton and cyanobacteria in freshwater ponds, reservoirs, and lakes.  Water resource managers, lake owners, and researchers can learn more about this resource here.

There are also many useful harmful algal bloom resources available on the web including the following…

Proudly powered by WordPress