Harmful algae: Identification, isolation and culturing techniques

Several microalgae produce toxins affecting human and marine organism health. These toxins are responsible for severe illness or death, related to consumption of seafood contaminated by toxic algae or the formation of toxic bio-aerosols.

The student will have the opportunity to learn and apply methodologies for (i) sampling planktonic and benthic microalgae, (ii) identification (using LM, EM, molecular methods), (iii) isolation and setting up of monoclonal cultures, (v) cultivation (preparation of growth media and culture techniques).

Language requirements: 
English
Specific competences required : 
Basic knowledge of light microscopy techniques
Safety issues: 
The student will be trained on laboratory and field safety issues, including those related to covid-19
Accommodation possibilities : 
Accommodation could be available at the host institute; web site http://erdis.it
Additional costs to be covered by the student: 
No
COVID-19 contingency plan: 
If the on-site training will be not possible due to actual pandemic conditions, the student will be provided with packages for 2-weekly tasks, including scientific literature and presentations about harmful algae on which the student will have to produce a written report or PowerPoint presentation. These activities will be integrated with virtual connections in the laboratory, allowing the student to follow the practical experience carried out by experienced personnel.
format: 
on-site