Exert from final thesis: Common Algae of the Lake George Watershed, 2008 ; Future posts will include further identification of common algal forms of the Northeast United States.
Bulbochaete sp.
Division: Chlorophyta
Identification:
Field: Green filaments with nodistinguishing features.
Microscopically: Branched filaments, with bulbous like cells. Most end cells have hairs on the end. Has a chloroplast the resembles lace.
Habitat: Most often found in lakes and stream outlets.
Facts: Closely related to Oedogonium.
Cladophora sp.
Division: Chlorophyta
Identification:
Field: Thick string -like filaments.
Deep to dull green in color. Will become brown when covered in epiphytes.
Microscopically: Large branching filaments. Filaments will taper at the ends. Chloroplast will resemble lace.
Habitat: Will occur due to enrichment. Can cover large percentages of the substrate.
Facts: Following a bloom within a lake, Cladophora sp. can wash up on the beaches and clog pipes.
Microspora sp.
Division: Chlorophyta
Identification:
Field: Forms long dark green filaments. Leaf litter and other algae will become entangled in the algae. The algae will feel like a towel in strength and texture.
Microscopically: The most distinguishing feature is the H shaped joint between cells.
Habitat: Microspora sp. is found in a range of conditions, but will bloom in enriched streams.
Facts: A bloom of Miscrospora sp. can be found in nutrient rich streams.
Mougeotia sp.
Division: Chlorophyta
Identification:
Field: Feels slimy to touch. Can be confused with Spirogyra sp. in the field. Will be light green in color.
Microscopically: Cells are much longer than wide. Contains a ribbon like chloroplast. Between cells a “lens cap” can be seen.
Habitat: Is found in moderately enriched to very enriched bodies of water.
Facts: When frozen, can be confused with Spirogyra sp.
Nitella sp.
Division: Chlorophyta
Identification: 
Field: Nitella sp. is a macroscopic algae. Branches are whirled. Can be mistaken for a vascular plant.
Microscopically: Look for the Oogonia that are found at the forking of branches.
Habitat: Common in streams and lakes.
Facts: Not as erect as Chara., and very important for maintaining clean water.
Oedogonium sp.
Division: Chlorophyta
Identification:
Field: Will grow in dull green masses. Will bloom and cover large amounts of substrate during warm, low flow, stable conditions. When decomposition takes place, mass will turn brown.
Microscopically: Cells are square to oblong in shape. Un-branched filaments that contains a light green chloroplast. Pyrenoids are scattered throughout the chloroplast and give appearance of lace. Scarring will be apparent as a result of cell division.
Habitat: Normally associated with enriched conditions. Is common and has been known to form blooms.
Facts: When frozen, chloroplast will shrink away from cell wall.
Spirogyra sp.
Division: Chlorophyta
Identification:
Field: Will feel slimy to touch. Looks like a cloud of bright green filaments. May resemble green foam on the surface of the water.
Microscopically: Smooth sided filaments with the cells varying in length from almost square to longer than wide. One or more ribbon like chloroplast will be seen in a spiral. Pyrenoids are dotted along the chloroplast.
Habitat: Spirogyra sp. often appears in response to point source of nutrients, such as those found within streams from developed catchments or within the littoral zone of a mesotrophic to eutrophic lake.
Facts: Reproduces by conjugation. This genus is extremely common and widespread.
Ulothrix sp.
Division: Chlorophyta
Identification:
Field: Vivid green, fine filaments.
Microscopically: Unbranched filaments of Cells ranging from shorter than they are wide too longer than they are wide. Each cell has a chloroplast that partially rings the interior of the cell.
Habitat: Can be found in mountain streams. Often dominates in spring.
Facts: will be attached to substrate by a holdfast.
Zygnema sp.
Division: Chlorophyta
Identification:
Field: Light green, slimy filaments
Microscopically: Un-branched filaments of Cells with straight or rounded end walls. Cells vary in length. Two star shaped chloroplasts per cell.
Habitat: Found in lakes, in a variety of conditions.
Facts: When frozen, can be mistaken for Spirogyra sp.
Future post will include further identification of common algal forms common found within the Northeast United States.
Please feel free to contact me. Corrina Parnapy: corrinaparnapy@yahoo.com, (518) 791-3256.
I am currently seeking a position in Vermont/ New Hampshire.
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