ABSTRACT
The application of microphotometry to the study of optical properties of individual phytoplankton and detrital particulates has been facilitated by the availability of computer-interfaced microscope photometer systems. Microphotometric analysis of individual phytoplankton cells or detrital matter provides direct determination of taxonomic and particle morphometry, as well as spectral absorption and fluorescence analysis. Advantages of the method are allows for simultaneous direct determinations of taxonomic, morphometric, spectral absorption, and spectral fluorescence (excitation and emission) properties of individual particles. For microphotometric corrections, the Rhodamine solution was placed on a custom-made stainless steel microscope slide (5 mm thickness) with a hole (5 mm diameter) in the center. The solution was contained within two coverslips glued with silicon adhesive. Then the sensitivity of the microscope photometer is calculated. The condition of microalgal specimens after being transferred to a gelatin-coated microscope slide is demonstrated for Dinophysis and Bacteriastrum.
