My gut reaction would be call it Glaucocystis (or something closely related), based upon the shape of the cell wall and pigmentation. Doesn't look to be a very healthy cell (whatever it is) the cytoplasm is very contracted and that vase-like body at the lower left looks to be some sort of a parasite (like a chytrid).

That said, I'd probably just declare it to be "Species 1" until I had more info/observations to develop a better species concept in order to feel more comfortable about putting a real name on it.

Hi David,

Labelling it as Species 1 is a good suggestion. Whatever it is occurs in poultry slaughter waste water (second phase treatment) at 3.4 C. The cell wall is distinctive. But what is unclear to me, (not an expert in taxonomy) is the absence of other ovids within the cell membrane. Does Glaucophyte appear in solo?

Jon

David,

I6t is interesting to see that you were in Williston, Vermont. I am from Vermont with my first masters Degree form UVM. Small world, what were you doing in VT.

Jon

Jon -

Not forcing a name is the best strategy. I tend to be a splitter (in the beginning) rather than a lumper, simply because it;s much easier to go back afterward and combine groups than it;s is to try to split groups apart. I'll try to put a best guess on a lowest taxonomic level (e.g Green sp7; Glauco Sp1; Navicula sp12) and then include in the count note any hunches about a better ID.

One the general observations I've made over the years is that for algae with rigid- to sem-rigid cell walls, when things aren't going well the cytoplasm tends shrink-up, pulling away from the wall and forms a little "snot ball" - which is my interpretation of what I'm seeing here. Given the environment that you are working with would reinforce my perception that the cell has been parasitized. I wouldn't be surprised if that highly refractive body at the base of that vase shaped structure is the remnants of an "ex daughter cell".

The last trip to Vermont was a gig to do phytoplankton counting for a USACE project.

David,

Thank you for the direction and help. I have identified Haptophyta, Scenedesmus and Chorella. But I do have two others species I have no idea about. The prevalence is quite high with the few psychrophiles that perform the final stage of treatment. I am able to process the waste water very quickly during the warm months. However, the cold months take their toll. Excessive amounts of ice (30") thick and snow cover (12") has restricted light and reduced the populations beyond the previous two winters.

Would you be interested in taking a crack at the other two unknown algae?

Jon

I can't really tell what that test looks like, but have you considered Paulinella? If you had micrographs of some additional specimens it might help.

Charles,

Thank you for your input.  No other specimens were found.  

Jon