Science Buddies: "Ask an Expert"

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!

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

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.