Plankton Net
Plankton Net - 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.
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.
02:33
A Rapid Image-Based Assay for Screening Surface-Induced Bacterial Virulence
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2026
Source: Perinbam, K., and Siryaporn, A. A Rapid Image-based Bacterial Virulence Assay Using Amoeba. J. Vis. Exp. (2018)This video demonstrates a rapid, image-based method to assess bacterial virulence by incubating amoebae with surface-attached or planktonic bacteria, applying a calcein-acetoxymethyl ester (calcein-AM) agarose pad, and imaging fluorescence to detect host cell damage.
12:46
Bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) Labeling and Subsequent Fluorescence Activated Cell Sorting for Culture-independent Identification of Dissolved Organic Carbon-degrading Bacterioplankton
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Cited by 6 •
2011
Environmental bacterioplankton are incubated with a model dissolved organic carbon (DOC) compound and a DNA labeling reagent, bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU). Afterward, DOC-degrading cells are separated from the bulk community based on their elevated BrdU incorporation using fluorescence activated cell sorting (FACS). These cells are then identified by subsequent molecular analyses.
FAQs
Mesh size acts as a primary selection factor during sampling. A fine mesh can retain smaller organisms, whereas a coarser mesh allows some small forms to pass through, changing the community represented in the cod end. Because mesh choice influences capture composition, researchers should keep it consistent when comparing plankton communities or tracking changes over time.
These variables determine how much water passes through the mesh and which parts of the aquatic community are sampled. Changing depth can expose the net to different organisms, while speed and duration alter the material collected. Consistent settings make samples more comparable and improve interpretation of relative abundance, seasonal patterns, and community differences.
Horizontal and vertical tows sample water along different collection paths. A horizontal tow examines organisms encountered across a selected stretch of water, while a vertical tow samples through a depth range. The choice affects the portion of the community represented, so researchers should match the towing direction to the biological question and record it for comparison.
A typical collection begins by selecting an appropriate mesh size and defining the tow direction, depth, speed, and duration. The net is then drawn through the water, allowing water to pass through the mesh while retained material moves into the cod end. Researchers recover that material for examination and compare samples using the recorded conditions.
Standardization separates ecological differences from differences caused by sampling technique. Keeping mesh size, tow depth, speed, duration, and direction consistent helps researchers determine whether changes in community composition or relative abundance reflect the environment rather than unequal collection conditions. This is especially important for seasonal comparisons, water-quality investigations, and quantitative interpretation.
Samples can reveal changes in the composition and relative abundance of phytoplankton and zooplankton communities across locations or seasons. These observations support studies of aquatic food webs, water quality, and ecosystem responses. In biology, repeated standardized collections allow researchers to examine how aquatic communities vary and provide material for direct examination.