Sample collection and preparation

When collecting samples that are to be analysed it is important to annotate the sample with as much information as possible. Point in time and location (place and depth) of the collected sample should be documented. Additionally, temperature (air and water) and weather conditions can be useful to note as well, though they to some extent can be collected retroactively from meteorological databases.

When the purpose is to analyse and quantify the contents within the sample it is important to halt the ongoing biological activity within the collected sample as soon as possible. Otherwise, organisms will continue to replicate and predate and the contents of the sample could differ greatly compared to how it was at the point of collection. This is done by adding a solution (Lugols) to the collected sample. The sample is then conserved (“frozen”) at the time point of collection. To not waste any Lugols it is necessary to not collect and “freeze” more sample volume than what is needed.

This webpage, with all its contents, is to be considered under contruction and not a final product.
Links and descriptions to related solutions and protocols will continously be updated and made available.