Currently planning to use reverse filtration to lessen the water in our phytoplankton samples. Next, we are planning to centrifuge it to concentrate it further. Would centrifugation damage the phytoplankton cells? Is there a better way to do it? Would appreciate any insight or sources on this.
Also, since we can't analyse the samples in one sitting, how can we properly store it for long term (say about 2 months)? Do we need to refrigerate it and/or increase the Lugol’s iodine solution?
Decant the water sample for about 6-12 hrs and collect the lower column of the water with abundant cells. Use Of centrifuge might damage the cells. Lugols solution is fine for storing the sample.
Pour whole water into appropriately sized glass bottle (bigger bottle for less productive sample). Add Lugol's iodine solution to 1% of final volume. To concentrate for counting, add water sample to 10 mL Hydrobios chamber (more volume for less productive sample, may take a few tries to get it just right). That sample can then be enumerated with an inverted compound microscope. If Hydrobios chamber and/or inverted scope aren't available. Pour the preserved sampled into a graduated cylinder and allow to settle (up to a week depending on volume). Decant and pour into smaller bottle when desired concentration is reached.
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