Periphyton Analysis

Periphyton is a combined sample of algae and other microorganisms that attach to underwater vegetation of benthic organisms. Periphyton, usually composed of diatoms and mollusks, are important indicators of physical, chemical, and biological changes in aquatic ecosystems. Using optically clear glass slides, scientists can identify and count periphyton at the family, genus, or species level. Diatoms are acid washed for species-level identification. Regardless of the method used, specimens were always identified to the lowest possible taxonomic level, with the goal of identifying at least the genus taxonomic level where possible. CD BioSciences has experience with large and small targeted periphyton monitoring programs. CD BioSciences provides periphyton analysis using a variety of technical methods to suit the client's scope of work and budget. Our skilled algaeists employ a range of microscopic methods to enumerate and identify soft algae and diatoms living on underwater substrates.

Fig. 1 Microbial interactions in periphyton. (Gubelit Y I, et al., 2010)

Our Services

CD BioSciences is one of the leading providers of algal analysis. We have developed services and proprietary technologies for evaluating and managing periphyton in order to reduce client time and cost.

• Diatom Identification
  Diatom identification can be used to determine water quality in natural and man-made water bodies. Our scientists examine diatoms in detail using standard nitric acid digestion. The technique removes cellular contents and provides good resolution, allowing samples to be examined at high magnification, enabling species-level identification
• Diatom identification and enumeration
• Acid digestion and cleaning
• Biomass calculation
• Monitoring of Periphyton Biomass (chlorophyll-a) and Productivity
  Chlorophyll-a is ubiquitous in microplankton and can be used as an approximate measure of current biomass for species identification of periphyton.
• Signature Pigments Analysis
  Our scientists use HPLC characteristic pigment analysis to determine epiphyte composition and abundance. Environmental parameters are measured in water tanks with probes or in the laboratory following standard procedures for water quality analysis.

Our Methods for Assessing Periphyton Species Diversity and Quantity

• Scraping, peeling, or using sticky material to remove algae from defined areas of the natural substrate and examining the scraped chlorophyll or other pigment content under a microscope.
• The artificial substrate is placed in water for later retrieval, followed by taxonomic and chlorophyll analysis.

The Advantages of Our Periphyton Analysis Services

• High sensitivity
• No sample preparation
• Rapid performance
• Low costs
• Technological support

CD BioSciences is a professional service provider for the marine biology industry. Our phytoplankton analysis services can help you determine the value of your sample and its best use. We provide our customers with the most precise ingredient data and highly informed process expertise. Our team of biomass experts plays a key role in the formulation, optimization and commercial evaluation of biomass value-added processes in industry and academia. If necessary, please feel free to contact us.

Reference

• Gubelit Y I, Grossart H P. New Methods, New Concepts: What Can Be Applied to Freshwater Periphyton?[J]. Frontiers in Microbiology, 2020, 11: 1275.

Please kindly note that our services can only be used to support research purposes (Not for clinical use).