An improved method for diatom sample preparation

Diatoms are small phototrophic organisms with an essential role in the food chain in terrestrial and aquatic environments. The purpose of the present study was to optimize and improve the methods for diatom sample preparations.

The difference between the improved method with the old ones is based on the 3-interval time of the supernatant collection. Also, the centrifuge is not necessary for this improved method.  

The average number of cells in our proposed method was 338% higher than the other methods.

The preparation of specimen suspension and caution in a sampling of stations, is the most important factor for obtaining a maximum sample of diatoms.