Sampling method for benthic microbial protists

The sampling methods were designed for taxonomic but not quantitative sampling.

Tray method

Sand samples were collected from the first 0.5 cm of sediment at low tide using a flat spoon. Samples were placed in plastic trays to a depth of 2-3 cm, covered with a layer of lens tissue, and excess seawater was poured off. Glass coverslips were placed on top of the layer of lens tissue. The trays were left at approximately 22 ° C under natural light conditions. Cover slips were observed after 12 - 24 hours on a slide under a compound light microscope.

Uhlig method

Suitable for thecate species : sand to a depth of about 5 cm was placed in a plastic open cylinder with a 50 m m mesh at the bottom (Uhlig container). Cotton wool was placed on top of the sand, followed by frozen seawater ice cubes. The container was placed in the Uhlig apparatus. A petri dish with a small amount of filtered seawater was placed underneath. The container was set at such a height that the bottom of the mesh was touching the surface of the water in the petri dish below. As the ice melted, the seawater was collected using a petri dish placed underneath the mesh. Petri dishes were observed under a dissecting microscope.

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