How Do You Prepare Algae Slides?

Algae Slide Preparation

• Microscope slides examine single-celled organisms: prepared slides: dry mounts and wet mounts. Stain to see under microscope.
• Diatom Slides and Permanent Mounting
  • Diatom slides record site conditions.
  • Benthic samples from rivers make permanent slides.

Slide Preparation Techniques

• Two Types of Microscope Slides
  • Purchased or prepared; wet mount, self-made.
• Mounting Algae
  • Place alga drop on slide, lower coverslip.
  • Use "hanging drop method” for better views.

Staining and Effects of Light

• Staining Methods
  • Aniline blue, toluidine blue, KMnO4, India ink.
• Effect of Light
  • Blue light penetrates water, red algae photosynthesize at depth.

Varied Algae Topics

• Algae Culturing and Maintenance
  • Use of Petri dishes, glass/plastic, agar.
• Algae Characteristics and Properties
  • Photosynthesizing differences, nutritional benefits.

Other Algae-Related Issues

• Algae Maintenance and Removal
  • Controlling growth, combatting with hydrogen peroxide.
• Identifying Mustard Algae
  • Chlorine shock test to distinguish from pollen.