Growth characteristics of bloom forming Mallomonas elongata (Synurophyceae) based on silicate and light intensity

often form very dense blooms (Hoffmann and Wille 1992, Kim and Hwang 2001, Lee et al. 2005), which negatively affect the taste and odor of potable water (Nicholls 1995). Although the temperature, pH, conductivity and nutrients (nitro-gen and phosphorus) are primary factors controlling the distribution and seasonal occurrence of silica-scaled chrysophytes (Siver 1995), few comprehensive studies have been conducted on the growth characteristics of individual taxa. An important aspect to manage bloom formation in any group of organisms is an understand-ing of the relative importance of each environmental fac-tor in controlling the occurrence and distribution of the group in the field. Furthermore, understanding the eco-physiological growth characteristics of individual species through laboratory culture experiments is necessary to control and manage blooms. The autecological charac-teristics of specific species through culture experiments can show the influence of variable parameters such as temperature, pH, nutrients (N, P, and Si), and light on their growth and development. However, only a few stud-ies on the growth characteristics of silica-scaled chryso-phytes through