Serial dilution method for separation of particular algal colonies

As seen in the chemcical laboratories, chemists utilise the serial dilution methodology to achieve the minute and fine molar concentrations of chemicals and compositions. Likewise we are also going to imply the same methodology to separate and categorize individual colonies present in the sample we collected. It is a cost effective method to isolate and collect a particular colony from the samples which is collected in their surrounding rather than buying those algal samples. Moreover buying those samples require more procedures which may slow down the biological hobbyists like me. So money, procedures are not only the burden. Where can we get them? Yes, that is also a problem. Definitely they can be supplied from hundreds of kilometres farther from our living area. All these constraints force us to look for other easy and economic sources of algal samples. Why dont we just collect some of algal samples in our nearby area, separate them, categorize them and build our own vault of algal samples.
Let us start the work.

Apparatus Required:

• Microscope having zooming more than 1000x. the more the better.
• A number of clean test tubes according to our need approximately 10.
• Agar plates, petri plates
• Nutrient solutions that can suit for different type of colonies.
• Distilled water
• Clean and Closed tight jars or containers.

Procedure

• Sterilize all the vessels, test tubes, plates, dishes that is going to be used for the process to avoid contamination.
• Perform it in a clean room.
• Arrange the test tubes on holders of your choice.
• Fill all the test tubes with 9ml of distilled water.
• Take 1ml from the sample you got from your surrounding area which contains the majority of algal colony you are going to separate from contaminants.
• Pour the 1ml sample in the first test tube.
• Then take 1ml from the first test tube and pour it to the second test tube.
• Then take 1ml from the second test tube and pour it to the third test tube.
• And repeat the process.
• Once you completed the process. pick 1ml from each test tube and fill it in individual plates.
• Add some nutrient solution to each plate. place the plates leaving some distance between them.
• Leave it for upto 48 hours closed to avoid any contamination through air.
• You can find a single colony of algae growing without any contaminants in atleast any one of the plates.
• Congratulations Now you got a pure algal sample of a particular algae colony. you can store it properly in a container and can use it for your research.
• Use the microscope to identify the algae and name your first algae sample.
• Keep it out of contaminants.
• Now go to other area of your surrounding and begin the process for the next different colony of algae.

You can use these algal samples for your research purposes, hobby or even business. Some people collect these algal samples, then grow it and sell it.
Or you can build a vault containing large collections of different types of algae.
Its upto yours.

CAUTION: Some microbes along with samples or the sample itself may be poisonous or dangerous. please dont perform these without proper preventive measures such as gloves, dettol, etc. always wash your hands cleanly with dettol after such processes.