1. Upper Klamath Lake Selective Harvesting -- Visual Observation

A. Our algae is harvested in the cleanest area of Upper Klamath Lake.

B. Microcystis, a potential contaminant, is a different color from AFA (lime green vs. a dark green), and is easily distinguishable from AFA as it floats on the surface of the water.

C. 90% of the harvesting happens when  no microcystis is present.

2. Upper Klamath Lake Selective Harvesting -- On board microscopic observation

A. Our harvester has a lab equipped with a microscope to examine the algae while we are actually harvesting.

B. The microcystis looks completely different from AFA under a microscope.

C.   Captain and crew are trained to identify species of algae and to make a report on the estimated amount of microcystis.

3. Proprietary processing entirely eliminates microcystis (if present)

A. AFA cells can be separated from the cell chains into individual cells because the cells have a weak bond.  We have proprietary technology that separates the cells.

B. AFA cells are usually 4 to 6 microns in size while microcystis is a considerably larger micro-organism of about 500 microns.

C. Separation and removal are possible because of these differences in size.

4. Proprietary Filtering

A. Our two step filter process removes all microcystis, daphnia and other foreign matter.

B. On site fresh filtering is the best method for removing potential contaminants..

C. Our advanced dewatering methods unique to our company further improves product quality and purity.

5. Homogeneous Batch Testing

A. The refrigerated algae is thoroughly mixed on the harvester, continues to churn as it is pumped into a transport, then pumped and mixed again into a refrigerated mixing tank at the processing station.  All this mixing means our batch samples are extremely homogeneous and the samples accurately reflect the whole batch.  This provides accurate test results.

B. To further increase the accuracy of the tests, many samples are drawn incrementally as the batch is processed.  These samples are dried and mixed back together to provide a truly representative batch sample.

C. Each batch is sent to a certified independent laboratory and thoroughly tested for microcystin. To insure product safety the Oregon Department of Agriculture has established the stringent guideline of under one part per million. (This is the lowest standard ever set by a government agency.)

D. AFA/Klamath Blue Green is in compliance with the Oregon Department of Agriculture's good manufacturing processes. Our product is Certified Organic by Oregon Tilth.