Algae ID and Cyanotoxin Analysis
Know what is growing in your water, and whether it is producing toxins.
From pond to microscope
How we identify algae and cyanobacteria
- 01Collect a sample
- 02Prepare the slide
- 03Under the microscope
- 04Identify the algae
Assessing algae and toxin risk
Identify, measure, test
- Species identification separates harmless green algae and diatoms from cyanobacteria such as Microcystis, Dolichospermum (formerly Anabaena) and Aphanizomenon, which can produce toxins. Early identification allows treatment before blooms escalate.
- Chlorophyll a monitoring measures algal biomass and bloom severity and tracks growth over time.
- Cyanotoxin testing detects microcystins, nodularin and anatoxins, which can contaminate water and harm people, pets and wildlife.
Algae ID is also part of the lab bundles on Water Quality Monitoring.
Why monitoring matters
Early detection of harmful algal blooms
Unchecked blooms can make water toxic, upset the ecosystem, and lead to expensive emergency treatments. Cyanotoxins can make water unsafe for recreation, irrigation and aquatic life.
Regular monitoring catches harmful blooms early, so treatment can start before the water turns. See our algae management services.
Tap a state to open its algae database
Find the algae in your state
Our database covers 38 algae and cyanobacteria you can see without a microscope in Idaho, Oregon and Wyoming, each with photos, identification tips, a growth profile and toxin risk.
Explore other related services
Cyanobacteria we identify most often
Microcystis
Dolichospermum (Anabaena)
Aphanizomenon
Planktothrix
Gloeotrichia
Lyngbya
OscillatoriaSchedule an algae and cyanotoxin assessment
Protect your waterbody from harmful blooms and toxins.