Search

This article focuses on research done on freshwater algae as of September 1968. Man's interest in freshwater algae undoubtedly extends back to prehistoric times. Many of early researchers were remarkably accurate in recording details of structure and reproduction. In 1847, professor Jacob W. Bailey published a short paper on the freshwater algae, mostly of the Catskill Mountains. He described two species of triploceras, a freshwater algae. Three Britishers who are important in this research are researchers William West, G.S. West and Felix Fritsch. The early work of Felix Fritsch was on the algal flora and ecology of Britain, Africa and Ceylon but he soon turned to morphology.

Lotic species of freshwater algae have a higher respiratory rate in a current as compared with that in still water. Species in 4 classes (Chlorophyceae, Xanthophyceae, Bacillariophyceae, Rhodophyceae) were tested. A correspondingly higher uptake of P[SUP32] was also noted. The fact that the increase in metabolic rate results from the sweeping effect of a current was indicated by the lower mineral uptake of filaments floating free in a current as compared with that of filaments held still in the current in the same container. The current effect was evident even at current speeds as low, as 1-4 cm/sec. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]