Dear Folks,
Mostly journals stated that I need Uthermohl, inverted microscope, or other sophisticated tools to estimate biovolume of certain algae species. But here, I only have phase-contrast microscope. Therefore, could I perform biovolume estimation? If yes, how could I measure the thickness, for instance the shape is rectangular,?
Thanks,
Hello Maic,
asssuming that your available phase-contrast equipped microscope is an upright (non-inverted) stand, it will be difficult od impossible to use the larger Utermöhl (or Utermoehl) sedimentation chambers, because there is not enough space beneath the higher magnification objectives. Yet, there are smaller sedimentation chambers that migt fit between object table and objective.
Regarding your thickness measurements: do you intend to measure single algae or entire sedimented volumes? Both can be achieved via the fine focussing knob, but accuracy will become a problem the smaller your particles are.
Phase contrast is not necessary for these types of measurements. It may help you find tiny, and/or faintly coloured organisms, but may interfere with lenght measurements due to its halo effect.
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