Golden algae - Prymnesium parvum

Please contact DHC for golden algae identification.  Does your lake management company test frequently for the presence of golden algae?  If not they should.  DHC uses microscopic analysis to find and identify golden algae.  Prymnesium parvum, commonly known as golden algae or golden-brown algae, is a microscopic species of algae that can have significant detrimental effects on lakes and aquatic ecosystems. This unicellular organism belongs to the class Prymnesiophyceae and is capable of photosynthesis, utilizing sunlight to produce energy. While typically found in marine environments, Prymnesium parvum has been known to thrive in freshwater lakes under certain conditions.

One of the most concerning aspects of Prymnesium parvum is its ability to produce toxins, particularly ichthyotoxins, which can be harmful to fish and other aquatic organisms. These toxins disrupt the normal physiological functions of fish, leading to fish kills in affected areas. The toxins can cause damage to gill tissues, impair respiratory functions, and interfere with osmoregulation, ultimately resulting in the death of fish populations. This phenomenon has been observed in various regions around the world, leading to economic losses for fisheries and impacting the ecological balance of affected water bodies.

Prymnesium parvum blooms are often associated with environmental factors such as high nutrient concentrations, warm temperatures, and low water flow. Human activities, such as agricultural runoff and nutrient pollution, can exacerbate these conditions, creating favorable environments for the rapid growth of golden algae. Efforts to mitigate the detrimental effects of Prymnesium parvum involve monitoring water quality, implementing nutrient management strategies, and researching potential control measures to prevent or manage harmful algal blooms in lakes and freshwater ecosystems.