engleski

Durham Course- Introduction to Freshwater Algal Identification (July 2003)

I attended the annual Freshwater Algae course run by Dr David John and Prof Brian Whitton at Hild-Bede College and School of Education in Durham City. There were 11 attending the course and I was one of four international participants. During the five-day course we were presented with the perfect balance of the theoretical lectures and practical work. The course was well designed for those with limited experience and those more experienced with algae.The course was a great opportunity to learn more about identification of the freshwater algae as well as to practice various collection techniques. The fieldwork was extremely useful since I learnt a number of techniques needed to sample in a wide range of microhabitats. The samples covered included periphyton and plankton, both microalgae and macroalgae. The opportunity to bring our own samples and the possibility to discuss them with fellow participants was greatly appreciated. The laboratory work was greatly assisted by having available a comprehensive collection of floras and monographs as well as expert supervision. Every working place in the laboratory was supplied with The Freshwater Algal Flora of the British Isles (John, Whitton & Brook 2002) and participants were introduced to the CD-ROM photo catalogue that accompanies it. We also had every opportunity to use other CDs containing interactive keys for the identification of blue– green algae and green algae. The course lectures covered topics ranged from taxonomy through to the ecology of all freshwater algal groups. I have been fortunate in been able to learn more about the use of algae for monitoring of lakes, reservoirs and rivers, and the implications of the EU Water Framework Directive. At the end of the course I attended an optional tour of the River Wear taken by Prof Brian Whitton and provided me with a great opportunity to recall many of the facts I had learnt. There is no doubt that my future work will benefit greatly from the skills and knowledge acquired on the course. New scientific knowledge and new friendships have certainly helped to broaden my horizons. I believe that the credit for such a successful course should be given to my excellent tutors who managed to maintain the friendly atmosphere which, combined with their professionalism, has greatly increased my enthusiasm for freshwater phyclological research. Finally, I would like to thank the BPS for financial support which enabled me to attend this course.

freshwater algae; Durham Course

nije evidentirano