Green Flagellate Algae (Chlamydomoas, Cryptomonas, etc.)
Identification
- Single cell with 1 – 4 flagella
- Have a red eyespot
- Green in color, but can appear red
- Motile
Why Do I Have It?
- High buildup of organic sludge
- Low water column agitation
Associated Lagoon (Pond) Conditions
If green flagellate algae are present in the water column, they can contribute to high effluent TSS levels.
Treatment
If green flagellate algae are an issue, they can be treated with a chelated copper algaecide like Argos. Combine this with PondZilla Pro to prevent a release of high levels of nutrients and dead material into the water body. We recommend treating early in the morning. Buildups of nutrient-rich sludge can be physically removed by dredging or a non-disruptive option: SludgeRx. Sludge Rx can also aid in preventing the resuspension of nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus. If this treatment is ineffective, Poly 60 Algaecide (EPA 75538-1) can be an effective option.
Under the Microscope and in Your Plant
Two commonly observed green flagellate algae are Chlamydomonas and Cryptomonas. These flagellates can be found in wastewater polishing lagoons with organic sludge buildup and relatively low water column agitation. If these algae are present in the water column, they can contribute to high effluent TSS levels. Most flagellated green algae are similar in structure; they generally consist of a single cell with one to four flagella. The cells are usually green but may be red when encysted or when spores form. They also have a very evident red eyespot. Chlamydomonas and Cryptomonas are photoautotrophs, but some species may also be facultative heterotrophs. Photoautotrophs are able to utilize sunlight and inorganic carbon to produce energy through the process of photosynthesis, whereas facultative heterotrophs are able to utilize photosynthesis in addition to metabolizing organic compounds in order to produce energy. An important feature of green flagellate algae is that they are motile, thanks to their flagella. Chlamydomonas and Cryptomonas swim between the sediment-water interface and air-water interface to get organics, oxygen, sunlight, or other nutrients as needed. They also have the ability to swim away from adverse conditions, like treatment, as needed.