The SePRO Algae Center of Excellence (“ACE”) houses the microscopic analysis/identification service and bench-scale algal research platform at the SePRO Research and Technology Campus.

The SePRO ACE provides algal identification and testing for the SeSCRIPT® analysis service. The identification service provides fast, accurate results and a justified, appropriate prescription tailored to our customers’ needs. In 2023, the team processed over 2,200 samples, identifying 200+ different algal species from sites ranging from backyard farm ponds and large lakes to drinking source waters and industrial waters. With these results, customers make informed management decisions promptly to address nuisance algae and harmful algal blooms that can have significant negative effects on humans, wildlife, and the overall aquatic ecosystem.

The SePRO ACE also conducts algae bioassay testing to support existing products and characterize potential new algaecide products to address the algal control needs of the future.

The team maintains cultures of planktonic algae such as Microcystis spp. (cyanobacteria, or blue-green algae) and Scenedesmus spp. (green algae), as well as filamentous algae such as Lyngbya, Rhizoclonium, and Pithophora, for use in bench-scale testing.

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Algae Corner

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