Abstract
Four commonly used techniques for preparation of 14C-labeled algal samples on membranes for liquid scintillation counting were compared and a simple technique for apparent net assimilation measurement from aqueous samples was introduced. All four techniques yielded similar radioactivities from the test cultures and are thus suitable for measurements of 14C algal samples. The possibly carcinogenic solvent dioxane was not necessary with PCS scintillation cocktail for dissolving radioactivity from algae on filters.
Article PDF
Similar content being viewed by others
Avoid common mistakes on your manuscript.
References
Berman, T. & Gerber, C., 1980. Differential filtration studies of carbon flux from living algae to microheterotrophs, microplankton size distribution and respiration in lake Kinneret. Microb. Ecol. 6: 189–198.
Brattberg, G. & Lindahl, G., 1979. A comparison between the Geiger-Müller and a liquid scintillation combustion technique for determination of phytoplankton primary production. Vatten 2: 117–124.
Bray, G. A., 1960. A simple efficient liquid scintillator for counting aqueous solutions in a liquid scintillation counter. Analyt. Biochem. 1: 279–285.
Gargas, E., 1975. A manual for phytoplankton primary production studies in the Baltic. The Baltic Marine Biologists Publication 2, Wat. Qual. Inst. Hørsholm, 88 pp.
Kotai, J., Krogh, T., Ormerod, K. & Skulberg, O. M., 1976. Estimation of algal growth potential. Norw. Inst. Wat. Res. Rep. 2, Oslo 32 pp.
Larsson, U. & Hagström, Å., 1979. Phytoplankton exudate as an energy source for the growth of pelagic bacteria. Mar. Biol. 52: 199–206.
Lind, O. T. & Campbell, R. S., 1969. Comments on the use of liquid scintillation for routine determination of 14C activity in production studies. Limnol. Oceanogr. 14: 787–789.
McFeters, G. A., Stuart, S. A. & Olson, S. B., 1978. Growth of heterotrophic bacteria and algal extracellular products in oligotrophic waters. Appl. envir. Microbiol. 35: 383–391.
Pugh, P. R., 1973. An evaluation of liquid scintillation counting techniques for use in aquatic primary production studies. Limnol. Oceanogr. 18: 310–319.
Schindler, D. W., 1966. A liquid scintillation method for measuring carbon-14 uptake in photosynthesis. Nature 211: 844–845.
Schindler, D. W., Schmidt, R. V. & Reid, R. A., 1972. Acidification and bubbling as an alternative to filtration in determining phytoplankton production by the 14C method. J. Fish. Res. Bd Can. 29: 1627–1631.
Silver, M. W. & Davoll, P. J., 1978. Loss of 14C activity after chemical fixation of phytoplankton; Error source for autoradiography and other productivity measurements. Limnol. Oceanogr. 23: 362–368.
Smith, W. O., 1975. The optimal procedures for the measurement of phytoplankton excretion. Mar. Sci. Commun. 1: 395–405.
Stanier, R. Y., Kunisawa, R., Mandel, M. & Cohen-Bazire, G., 1971. Purification and properties of unicellular blue-green algae (Order Chroococcales). Bact. Rev. 35: 171–205.
Vaara, T., Vaara, M. & Niemelä, S., 1979. Two improved methods for obtaining axenic cultures of cyanobacteria. Appl. envir. Microbiol. 38: 1011–1014.
Waite, D. T., Duthie, H. C. & Matthews, J. R., 1973. A note on two liquid scintillation fluors useful for primary production work. Hydrobiologia 43: 231–234.
Wallen, D. G. & Geen, G. H., 1968. Loss of radioactivity during storage of 14C-labelled phytoplankton on membrane filters. J. Fish. Res. Bd Can. 25: 2219–2224.
Ward, F. J. & Nakanishi, M., 1973. A comparison of liquid scintillation and Geiger-Müller estimates of primary productivity in an in situ experiment. J. Fish. Res. Bd Can. 30: 708–711.
Watanabe, Y., 1980. A study of the excretion and extracellular products of natural phytoplankton in lake Nakanuma, Japan. Int. Revue ges. Hydrobiol. 65: 809–834.
Wiebe, W. J. & Smith, D. F., 1977. Direct measurement of dissolved organic carbon release by phytoplankton and incorporation by microheterotrophs. Mar. Biol. 42: 213–223.
Wolfe, D. A. & Schelske, C. L., 1967. Liquid scintillation and Geiger counting efficiencies for carbon-14 incorporated by marine phytoplankton in productivity measurements. J. Cons. perm. int. Explor. Mer 31: 31–37.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Niemi, M., Kuparinen, J., Uusi-Rauva, A. et al. Preparation of 14C-labeled algal samples for liquid scintillation counting. Hydrobiologia 106, 149–156 (1983). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00006747
Received:
Revised:
Accepted:
Published:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00006747