Staining preparations for phytoplankton and periphyton

Abstract

Phytoplankton and periphyton can be prepared for study by staining preserved samples with acid fuchsin, dehydrating them and then preparing membrane-filter (phytoplankton) or slurry (periphyton) microscope mounts. The procedures outlined provide a single preparation for periphyton or phytoplankton samples and also permit the investigator to distinguish diatoms alive at the time of collection from those already dead, based on visible cell contents. Comparisons of losses of algae and ratios of living to dead diatoms in fresh and prepared periphyton samples indicated little error due to preparation. Percentages of dead diatoms observed in stained samples from diverse habitats are presented.