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Examination of endopelic and epilithic algal community structure employing scanning electron microscopy |
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| Authors: | J L Greenwood T A Clason R L Lowe S E Belanger |
| Institution: | Department of Biological Sciences, Bowling Green State University, Bowling Green OH 43403, U.S.A.,; |
| Abstract: | 1. Biological community structure within a stream periphyton mat and sediment core was examined using scanning electron microscopy. Samples were fixed, freeze-fractured and viewed under normal conditions with a scanning electron microscope. 2. This technique enabled the analysis of orientation and spatial distribution of algal cells within the three-dimensional algal communities. 3. Fractured samples from a periphyton mat and sediment core at the Procter & Gamble Experimental Stream Facility showed layering of some dominant diatom species, such as Nitzschia dissipata , Melosira varians and Gyrosigma attenuatum . The spatial relationship of nematodes as potential algal predators was also revealed. 4. Advantages, disadvantages and potential future applications of this freeze fracture technique are discussed. |
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