Analysis of cell concentration, volume concentration, and colony size of Microcystis via laser particle analyzer

The analysis of the cell concentration, volume concentration, and colony size of Microcystis is widely used to provide early warnings of the occurrence of blooms and to facilitate the development of predictive tools to mitigate their impact. This study developed a new approach for the analysis of the cell concentration, volume concentration, and colony size of Microcystis by applying a laser particle analyzer. Four types of Microcystis samples (55 samples in total) were analyzed by a laser particle analyzer and a microscope. By the application of the laser particle analyzer (1) when n = 1.40 and k = 0.1 (n is the intrinsic refractive index, whereas k is absorption of light by the particle), the results of the laser particle analyzer showed good agreement with the microscopic results for the obscuration indicator, volume concentration, and size distribution of Microcystis; (2) the Microcystis cell concentration can be calculated based on its linear relationship with obscuration; and (3) the volume concentration and size distribution of Microcystis particles (including single cells and colonies) can be obtained. The analytical processes involved in this new approach are simpler and faster compared to that by microscopic counting method. From the results, it was identified that the relationship between cell concentration and volume concentration depended on the colony size of Microcystis because the intercellular space was high when the colony size was high. Calculation of cell concentration and volume concentration may occur when the colony size information is sufficient.