Phytoplankton samples were collected on June 28, 2023 at Bullock Reach and analyzed in the laboratory shortly after collection. Sondes data revealed the surface water temperature was 22.945⁰C, salinity was 23.18 psu, and chlorophyll a was 4.71 ug/L. The plankton tow net sample was filterable with a 20 micron mesh. The filtrate was a green- brown color and had a medium filter time. The tow net sample was analyzed qualitatively for microorganisms using phase contrast microscopy. The whole water sample was analyzed quantitatively under 200x phase contrast microscopy. A Hensen Stempel pipette was used to accurately deliver 1ml of sample to a Sedge-wick Rafter chamber. This analysis revealed a total of 5,670,000 cells per Liter. The micro flagellates were found at 25,000 cells/L. The most predominant phytoplankton genus was Skeletonema spp.at 4,400,000 cells/L. Other representative genera include Chaetoceros spp., Gonyaulax spp., and Leptocylindrus spp.
100x phase contrast micrograph of the qualitative tow net sample.
