Plankton and El Nino

[deleted-160001]

Hi,

I'm going to be investigating the effect of warmer climate (El Nino) has on the biodiversity of the plankton population. I need to get samples to do plankton counts, but was wondering what is the best method of doing so. I was initially thinking of using a plankton tow net, but then I read that a lot of the smaller species could pass through even the finest nets, so is there a more efficient way, or do you think that for the purpose of this project the net will be ok? Thanks!

[deleted-132180]

Hello there,

If you haven't seen this already, Science Buddies has a project called "Primary Productivity and Plankton" (or is this the project you were planning on doing)? There, you will see instructions on how to build a net to collect plankton samples.

Here is the link: https://www.sciencebuddies.org/science- ... ml#summary.

Let us know if you have anymore questions!

Connie

[caraskl]

To collect plankton, you could use a fine mesh net; this is the most common method. Other collection devices you can use is a Schindler-Patalas trap, which is good for catching zooplankton. If you want to catch small zooplankton, you can collect whole water samples using devices such as a Van dorn bottle or long tubes made with PVC. Afterwards, the water sample is sieved through a fine mesh.