Euglena
Identification
- Single celled flagellate
- Round to elongated cells
- Can appear red when exposed to too much sunlight
Why Do I Have It?
- Shallow unaerated polishing lagoon
- Overflow pond that has a buildup of organic sludge
Associated Lagoon (Pond) Conditions
It is possible that Euglena can cause TSS issues. Euglena can manifest as a bright red mat when exposed to prolonged direct sunlight.
Treatment
Euglena can be treated by limiting its ideal nutrient-rich environment. Sludge can be physically removed by dredging or a non-disruptive option: Sludge Rx. This can aid in sludge reduction and prevent resuspension of nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus. Euglena is also likely susceptible to chelated copper algaecides, such as Argos. It is important to only apply such treatments in the early morning or closer to dusk since this alga tends to form protective cysts during the middle of the day, rendering algaecides ineffective.
Under the Microscope and in Your Plant
Euglena is a green, single-celled flagellate alga with round to elongated cells that vary in length (20-500 µm). It can be found in wastewater lagoons but is not very common unless you have a shallow unaerated polishing lagoon or overflow pond that also has a buildup of organic sludge. Euglena favors eutrophic conditions with very high organics and buildup of muck. This alga can form scum during optimal growing periods. Euglena’s mobility allows it to relocate to more favorable conditions, such as towards higher sunlight or away from chemical attack.
Some Euglena species can change to red when they have been exposed to too much sunlight. This color change is the result of a protein production that helps protect Euglena from light, making it more difficult to treat. Euglena has the ability to form a protective cyst that guards against sunlight as well a myriad of other hazards (including algaecides), which is why it’s important to treat Euglena during times where it’s less likely to be using protective measures.