Blue-Green Algae (Phycocyanin & Phycoerythrin)
The first thing to understand is that blue-green algae (BGA) is not, in fact, an algae it’s a form of bacteria called cyanobacteria. It has been termed algae in popular science as the occurrence of BGA generally looks just like an algae mat with dense growths of blue/green/brown. Cyanobacteria can be found among the other phytoplankton and are excellent primary producers and also have key roles in community structure and the cycling of oxygen.
BGA can cause problems as they tend to overproduce and become numerous, particular when part of an algal bloom. Algal blooms are particularly problematic in terms of reducing light, oxygen and temperature which increases the risk of physiological stress to aquatic life. Prolonged oxygen deprivation causes fish kills and serious damage to the ecosystem.
As BGA die off, they can produce toxic substances which effect animals. Even small amounts of BGA can be toxic to canines and livestock.
Proteus offers two different fluorometers for the sensing of BGA, Phycocyanin and Phycoerythrin. Phycoerythrin is used for marine applications as it focuses on marine species such as Synechococcus spp., where phycoerythrin is the dominant accessory pigment. For freshwaters, Phycocyanin can be used as it targets fresh water taxa such as Anabaena, Microcystis, and Spirulina, which are rich in phycocyanin).
