How to Test Your Pond for Blue-green Algae

Blue-green algae is one of the animal health issues that you have to deal with every summer in Kansas. The toxins can be extremely poisonous. It's important to take a sample where the algae is more likely to be present, such as the downwind side of a pond, and shallow areas that are warmer.
Then, follow these simple steps.
Choose a clean container with a wide mouth.
Rinse out the container with the pond water.
Label the outside with the date and location.
Scoop the water from the surface along with the scum.
Be careful not to come into contact with the water by using a cup attached to a long stick, or by using gloves.
Secure the lid, and put the sample into a plastic bag.
Put the sample into a cooler with an ice pack, but don't freeze.
Place it into a refrigerator, and then mail the sample by overnight express to a lab.

For more information, visit the KSU Diagnostic Lab at: https://www.vet.k-state.edu/depts/dmp...

Or, visit the KDHE website at: http://www.kdheks.gov/algae-illness/i...

Identification and Management of Blue-green Algae:
http://www.ksre.ksu.edu/library/h20ql...

News story: http://www.ksre.ksu.edu/news/story/bl...

Produced the Department of Communications at Kansas State University.

• Category

  Education

[sticknstonesbrkbones]

I think there are different types of blue green algae, some are toxic and other are not. I just read a boat load about it trying to figure out if distilling water will get rid of the toxins. That doesn't make me an expert though.......

[sue200012]

How can they possibly be selling bg algae as a health food, a super food? Thank you. Obtw, could you suggest a reasonably priced but good water filter for home? Nothing takes radium out I guess. That's supposed to be in our water here in sw PA. Thanks.