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…