Plankton Net Sampling
Plankton Net Sampling - Related Videos
11:47
Concentration of Metabolites from Low-density Planktonic Communities for Environmental Metabolomics using Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy
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Cited by 15 •
2012
A method for metabolite extraction from microbial planktonic communities is presented. Whole community sampling is achieved by filtration onto specially prepared filters. After lyophilization, aqueous-soluble metabolites are extracted. This approach allows for application of environmental metabolomics to trans-omics investigations of natural or experimental microbial communities.
09:01
An Ultra-clean Multilayer Apparatus for Collecting Size Fractionated Marine Plankton and Suspended Particles
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Cited by 6 •
2018
Plankton and suspended particles play a major role in the biogeochemical cycles in the ocean. Here, we provide an ultra-clean, low stress method for the collection of various sizes of particles and plankton at sea with the capability of handling large volumes of seawater.
07:55
An All-in-one Sample Holder for Macromolecular X-ray Crystallography with Minimal Background Scattering
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Cited by 4 •
2019
A novel sample holder for macromolecular X-ray crystallography along with a suitable handling protocol is presented. The system allows crystal growth, crystal soaking and in situ diffraction data collection at both, ambient and cryogenic temperature without the need of any crystal manipulation or mounting.
06:36
Establishing the Minimal Bactericidal Concentration of an Antimicrobial Agent for Planktonic Cells (MBC-P) and Biofilm Cells (MBC-B)
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Cited by 63 •
2014
This protocol allows for a direct comparison between planktonic and biofilm resistance for a bacterial strain that can form a biofilm in vitro using a 96-well microtiter plate. Planktonic or biofilm bacteria are exposed to serial dilutions of the antimicrobial agent of choice. Viability is assayed by growth on agar plates.
05:58
Large Volume (20L+) Filtration of Coastal Seawater Samples
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Cited by 16 •
2009
This video documents large volume (≥20 L) filtration of microbial biomass, ranging between 0.22μm and 2.7μm in diameter, from the water column.
FAQs
Mesh size acts as a selection factor in plankton net sampling. Because organisms differ in size, the mesh does not retain every component of a plankton community equally. Finer mesh can retain smaller organisms, whereas coarser mesh favors larger forms. This choice therefore shapes estimates of community composition and abundance, so results must be interpreted in relation to the mesh used.
Tow depth determines which part of the water column contributes to a sample, while tow speed affects how organisms encounter and pass through the net. These variables can change which organisms are retained and influence comparisons among samples. Keeping depth and speed consistent, or documenting their differences, helps researchers interpret patterns in plankton abundance and distribution.
A horizontal tow samples organisms encountered along a selected depth, whereas a vertical tow moves through a depth range. The two approaches can therefore describe different aspects of plankton distribution in the water column. Choosing between them depends on whether the investigation emphasizes conditions at a particular layer or patterns across changing depths.
A basic workflow starts by selecting an appropriate mesh size and deciding whether to tow horizontally or vertically. Researchers then collect the sample while considering tow depth and speed, concentrate material in the cod end, and preserve or analyze the collected organisms. The resulting material can support microscopy, taxonomic identification, biomass measurement, or molecular analysis.
Collected material may be examined by microscopy, identified taxonomically, measured for biomass, or investigated with molecular methods. Microscopy and identification can characterize the organisms present, while biomass measurements provide an estimate of collected biological material. Molecular methods offer another way to analyze sample composition, allowing researchers to select an approach suited to the study question.
Environmental researchers can use the resulting samples to study food webs, water quality, harmful algal blooms, biodiversity, and environmental change. Community composition, abundance, and distribution data help connect plankton patterns with broader aquatic conditions. The method is therefore useful both for describing biological communities and for monitoring changes that may affect aquatic ecosystems.