An evaluation of a Coulter Counter method for the determination of primary productivity, and an assessment of seasonal phytoplankton biomass and species composition at West Blue Lake, Manitoba

• Main Author: Cliff, David
• Published: 2012
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/1993/5792

An evaluation was made of the method of determining primary production by use of an electronic particle counter (Coulter Counter). In order to convert productivity values determined as volume by this method into more meaningful carbon values, it was necessary to establish a relationship between carbon and volume. Although the method was found to be effective, it was also found to be more time consuming than the comparable 14C method. Consequently, it was concluded that the method might serve as an accessory rather than an alternative to the conventional 14C method. Standing crop of the phytoplankton was monitored from May, 1970 through September, 1971, in order to determine the magnitude and species composition of the organisms responsible for primary production. All data contributed to the overall study of the West Blue Lake ecosystem.