Phytoplankton samples were collected on August 23, 2023 at Bullock Reach and analyzed in the laboratory shortly after collection. Sonde data revealed the surface water temperature was 21.0°C and salinity was 26.5 psu. The plankton tow net sample was filterable with a 20 micron mesh. The filtrate was a light brown color and had a quick 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 1,866,000 cells per Liter. The micro flagellates were found at 348,000 cells/L. The most predominant phytoplankton genus was Leptocylindrus spp.at 948,000 cells/L. Other representative genera include Skeletonema spp., Chaetoceros spp. (see 200x phase contrast image below), and Guinardia spp.
