Algae are involved in water pollution in a number of important ways. It requires a continuous monitoring and study of algae existing in waters of various quality in order to determine what controls or what changes or what uses can be instituted for the benefit of man and for conservation of water and of desirable aquatic life. This manual presents a simplified identification key limited to algal species of importance in water supplies and associated with pollution. The most important species are illustrated in three-dimensional drawings in color. The manual also deals with the ecology and significance of algae and presents information on filter clogging and mat forming algae, attached forms, algicides and algal control, algae associated with pollution (both fresh water and estuarine), various uses of algae, algae of rivers and lakes, eutrophication, algae as indicators of pollution, methods of recording algae, and the use of algae in waste stabilization lagoons for the treatment of domestic and/or industrial wastes.

"EPA-600-9-77-036." An enlargement of the author's previous manual published in 1959 under title: Algae in water supplies. Includes bibliographical references (pages 111-118).