Algae training
gets
The green light
Riverina region
Specialised training delivered to the water industry will assist in the identification of algae species entering treatment facilities, which can play havoc with pumps and machinery and contaminate freshwater supplies.
TAFE NSW Riverina Institute's National Environment Centre developed the training process in partnership with the CSIRO Murray Darling Freshwater Research Centre.
National Environment Centre teacher Terry Bevis said it was "no simple exercise" with some three thousand plus species of algae in Australia , and possibly many more species yet to be discovered. |
Tracie Davis, National Environment Centre inspects water algae
through a microscope at the
NEC state-of-the-art laboratories
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"Most of us are familiar with a blue-green algae blooms which can be clearly seen, but most algae are micro-organisms more identifiable under a light microscope," Mr Bevis said.
"We wanted to adopt straightforward processes and relatively simple methodologies for operators to follow."
Mr Bevis said once operators had the skills to identify and quantify certain algae species they could apply the knowledge to a treatment plant's operations.
The National Environment Centre called on the skills of aquatic ecologist Doctor Alison Mitchell from the Murray Darling Freshwater Research Centre (CSIRO) to enhance the training. Together with associate scientist Zygmunt Lorenz, Dr Mitchell and the NEC ran a workshop for North East Water operators.
"Clearly this is a specialised field of endeavour," Mr Bevis said.
"Seeing Microcystis, Anabaena and Closterium under a microscope in the National Environment Centre's training laboratory clearly helps with this training need.
"Our training laboratory is well equipped and has been designed to allow for comfortable learning, exploration and experiment to happen."
Mr Bevis said course participants demonstrated a knowledge and recognition of different types of algae and mid-way through the day were swapping microscope stations checking on alternate species of algae.
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