Prepare for the American Water Works Water Treatment Plant Operator Test. Study with multiple choice questions, each with hints and explanations. Get ready to excel!

Multiple Choice

Cyanophyceae are commonly referred to as which group of algae?

Blue-green algae are what Cyanophyceae are commonly called because these organisms are cyanobacteria that produce a blue-green color from pigments such as phycocyanin along with chlorophyll a. They are photosynthetic bacteria, not true algae, but historically they’ve been grouped with algae in water-quality discussions. The everyday term blue-green algae is used because it describes their appearance and the issues they cause in water supplies, such as blooms, taste, odor, and potential toxins. The formal name Cyanophyceae is a scientific classification, whereas red algae and green algae refer to other groups with different pigments and lineages, so they don’t describe this group.

Blue-green algae are what Cyanophyceae are commonly called because these organisms are cyanobacteria that produce a blue-green color from pigments such as phycocyanin along with chlorophyll a. They are photosynthetic bacteria, not true algae, but historically they’ve been grouped with algae in water-quality discussions. The everyday term blue-green algae is used because it describes their appearance and the issues they cause in water supplies, such as blooms, taste, odor, and potential toxins. The formal name Cyanophyceae is a scientific classification, whereas red algae and green algae refer to other groups with different pigments and lineages, so they don’t describe this group.