Chlorophyll-α Test Service for Algae
Chlorophyll undertakes the photosynthesis of plants and algae to produce organic compounds from sunlight and is also an indicator to assess and measure the number of algae growing in the waterbody and the nutrient status of the waterbody.
As a global leader in algae research and testing, Lifeasible has the professional equipment and teams to undertake quality chlorophyll-α test services for algae.
Introduction to Chlorophyll
Chlorophyll is one of several related green pigments found in cyanobacteria as well as in the chloroplasts of algae and plants. Chlorophyll enables plants to absorb the energy of light. Chlorophyll absorbs light most strongly in the blue part of the electromagnetic spectrum as well as in the red part. In contrast, it absorbs poorly in the green and near-green portions of the spectrum. Therefore, tissues containing chlorophyll appear green because green light is diffusely reflected and absorbed less by structures such as cell walls.
Introduction to Chlorophyll-α
Chlorophyll-α is required for the release of chemical energy by most photosynthetic organisms but is not the only pigment available for photosynthesis. All oxygenic photosynthetic organisms use chlorophyll-α but differ in accessory pigments such as chlorophyll-beta. Chlorophyll-α can also be found in very small amounts in green sulfur bacteria, which are anaerobic photoautotrophs, which use bacteriochlorophyll and some chlorophyll a, but do not produce oxygen.
Effect of Chlorophyll-α on the Waterbody
As a measure of algal populations in waterways, chlorophyll-α is important to determine if algal cells are present at ecologically healthy levels. When excessive nutrient pollution, which is measured by total nitrogen and total phosphorus, is present in the water, algae can rapidly multiply and form visible blooms in the water. Sometimes these algal blooms are composed of harmful species that secrete algal toxins that can cause death to fish and other aquatic animals.
When algal blooms die, they are broken down by bacteria, consuming oxygen and causing dissolved oxygen levels to drop rapidly. These conditions can also cause death to fish and other aquatic organisms. However, proper chlorophyll-α levels are important to indicate the presence of sufficient algae to serve as food for other aquatic organisms.
Our Services
With years of experience in algae testing and research, Lifeasible has accumulated a wealth of algae-related knowledge, a professional research team, and advanced research equipment that can support efficient and reliable chlorophyll-α test services for algae.
We have many types of testing methods which include but not limited to the following approaches.
In-situ Test Method - The first type uses an optical probe to collect data from the water surface to the river bottom at 0.25-, 0.5- or 1.00-meter intervals.
Laboratory Test Method - The second type collects water samples from 1 meter below the surface, stores the samples on ice, and delivers them to the lab for processing and analysis within the same day.
Why Choose Us
Lifeasible is highly experienced in the field of algae-related research and testing. We have provided professional and high-quality chlorophyll-α test services for algae to many institutions and research groups worldwide over the years. Please contact us for more information.
Our services are for research use only and not for any clinical use.