Krishnamurthy Institute of Algology

I . Reference collection of Indian Algae

The immediate concern of the Institute will be the developement of a Central Algal Herbarium, which will aim at housing as many species of Indian algae as possible as dry specimens. Ultimately, this herbarium should serve as a national reference collection.

A repository of preserved specimens of algae collected from all over India will also be established. Periodical additions to this collection should provide research materials for serious students of algal morphology and taxonomy.

II. Culture Collection of Algae

A culture collection of eukaryotic algae will be developed and the strains maintained in the Culture Facility of this Institute. Such a facility would be in a position to supply algal cultures for specific requirements of research institutions and laboratories.

Various marine algal species in India are commercially important but belong to fragile natural environments. It is also realized that many economically important species exist in the form of distinct ecological strains and these need to be identified and preserved. To ensure this, germ plasm material of such strains have to be collected and maintained for future use. It is, therefore, proposed to establish a collection of germ plasm of marine algae. Such a collection is also relevant in the context of possible sea level changes on our coasts which may be caused by the global phenomenon of "green house effect", to which the South Indian Coast is believed to be particularly vulnerable. The material in such collection can be studied for their adaptability to changing conditions

III. Algae in Water Quality Determination and Pollution Control

Algae are good indicators of water quality and, therefore, the study of their occurrence and abundance in water sources and supplies is of utmost importance. Another very important application of algae concerns water pollution control. The role of algae in stabilization ponds for treatment of domestic effluents has now become quite well established. Algae are also involved in the uptake and removal of various minerals and in symbiosis with other heterotrophic organisms, may also help in the removal of harmful organic wastes. Algae can also absorb and concentrate radio-active ions. These phenomena can be profitably studied so that algal stabilization may be extended towards other kinds of waste water also.

The institute will, therefore, take up studies on the uptake of heavy metals, radio-active elements and other toxic substances by algae with a view to develope methods of algal stabilization of different kinds of waste water. Such a development will simplify and economize waste water treatment in various industries.

IV Utilization of Algae

The potential utility of various kinds of algae will be suited by modern analytical methods and the more promising algal genera and species identified. Sustainable aquacultural methods will be developed for the more important species.

Innovative methods of processing these algae will be developed.

V. Consultancy

The Institute will also act as consultants for algae based industry and shall advise on the utilization of algae in various fields and applications and industrial processes. The Institute will also establish testing facilities for quality control of algae as well as algal products.

VI. Man Power Development

Man power development is essential in any field of economic activity. With this in mind, the institute will organise summer schools, refresher courses and special workshops for students, research scholars and teachers in different aspects of algae.

In addition to these activities which are proposed to be taken up in the first phase of the institute, eventually a fully equipped instrumentation facility is expected to be established for use of algologists in pursuit of refined and sophisticated work. This facility will help in the use of biotechnological methods for improvement of algae of economic importance.