Estimation of Algal Succession in Lake Water Using HPLC Analysis of Pigments

Abstract
Seasonal variation in algal biomass in lake water was estimated using HPLC analysis of pigments. Carotenoids/chlorophyll a ratios were determined for cultures of Anabena, Microcystis, green algae, diatoms, and Cryptomonas. The contributions of various algal taxa to the total chlorophyll a content of lake water were calculated using the average carotenoid/chlorophyll a ratios of fingerprint pigments. The pigment analysis reflected the observed trend in the numbers of algae in lake water and proved to be a useful supplementary approach to evaluate algal biomass.