Milbrink, G. (1969). Microgradients at the mud water interface. Reports of the Institute of Freshwater Research, Drottningholm. 49:129-148.

208844

Milbrink, G

1969

49:129-148.

Publication

http://hdl.handle.net/2077/48957

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In a previous paper (Oikos 19,1.) I described a sampling apparatus designed for investigations of the microstratification below and above the mud surface. The sampler is intended to serve as an alternative to the Jenkin sampler and as a complement to the Ekman dredge. In principle, it is a long hollow tube of plexiglass, the cross-section of which is almost square. Alongside the tube is a “slide box” containing thin, horizontal metal slides which can be released to cut into the tube and divide it into separate sections. The sampler is submerged to the desired depth, pushed into the mud, then immediately released as the slides enter rapidly into the tube sealing off the sections. The high speed of the closure makes it difficult for even very agile animals to move vertically to any appreciable extent. As has been proved by aquarium experiments, the stratification of the sediments is kept almost intact. Investigations in situ have been successfully performed throughout more than a year. The sampler can be used for limnological as well as marine investigations of soft bottom sediments and of the water strata close to the bottom. Each mud and water core with its subdivisions yields samples for chemical and zoological analyses. The contents of each section pass through a tube into a very dense nylon fabric (60 p), where the animals and coarse particles are retained. The water passing through the fabric is collected in a polyethene bottle, for chemical analyses. The animals and mud from each section are then put into larger containers. In the laboratory the live specimens are sorted and classified as soon as possible into orders, families etc. Afterwards each classification unit is weighed to obtain the fresh weight. (Copepocla, Calanoida, and some Chironomidae are not classified alive). The nylon fabric with the animals collected is placed in a container with water in order to keep the animals alive. Subsequent treatment is the same as for the mud sections.

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