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An investigation of methods for sampling microbial films on rocky shores

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  11 May 2009

A. S. Hill  and
S. J. Hawkins
A. S. Hill
Affiliation:
Port Erin Marine Laboratory, University of Liverpool, Port Erin, Isle of Man and Department of Environmental Biology, Williamson Building, University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester
S. J. Hawkins
Affiliation:
Port Erin Marine Laboratory, University of Liverpool, Port Erin, Isle of Man and Department of Environmental Biology, Williamson Building, University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester
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Abstract

Chlorophyll analysis and methods of direct observation of rock surfaces under the SEM were used to estimate composition and abundance of epilithic microbial taxa. Effectiveness of different chlorophyll extraction techniques was assessed. Extraction from ground and intact rock was compared using both hot methanol and acetone extraction methods. Hot methanol extraction from intact rock provided the most accurate and precise estimates of chlorophyll content. SEM preparation methods were compared. Microbial taxa were counted under the SEM from cryostage, critically point dried and air-dried material. It was concluded that air drying was the most appropriate preparation method for SEM observation. Air drying provides reasonable estimates of microbial composition and abundance and was less time consuming so allowing an adequate number of samples to be analysed. Cumulative species number with sampling effort curves were used to establish minimal sample sizes with respect to estimates of species number. Sequential estimates of mean abundance with increasing sample size were used to determine the effects of increasing sample size on estimates of abundance of the dominant taxa. These estimates were compared at different times of the year and for two different locations. Microbial communities were found to be extremely patchy in distribution. However, sample sizes required to give good estimates of taxa number and abundance were established. These estimates were found to be similar for the main taxa at different times of the year and at different locations.

Type
Research Article
Information
Journal of the Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom , Volume 70 , Issue 1 , February 1990 , pp. 77 - 88
Copyright
Copyright © Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom 1990

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