Counting and measuring living protozooplankton using a video enhanced microscope and a new microplankton concentration device

Résumé

The microscopic and fragile nature of the protozoans is the major barrier to their study. The most traditional taxonomic literature on protozoans is illustrated with stained specimens, which sometimes do not resemble the living cells. These artifacts are satisfactory for taxonomy purposes, but not for ecological analysis. Staining methods cause the cells to shrink and also cell wall disruption. This work describes a combination of the Utermohl method and a new concentration device plus video microscopy for analysing living protozoans. The procedure seems to be an accurate and reliable way to assess protozooplankton biomass.