Zooplankton as aquatic bioindicator
It is usually considered the most important group in terms of density, biomass, production, consummation and regeneration of nutrients. In order to know the functioning of the zooplankton community, research is approached through its composition, diversity and abundance.
Treatment of zooplankton samples
For addressing these aims, the field collection of these samples must allow for subsequent quantitative analysis of the zooplankton community, which is usually done by filtration of a known volume of water through a conical plankton net.
In Cimera’s laboratory identification and enumeration is performed of the zooplankton species present in lake and reservoir samples. The determination is carried out with the help of a stereoscopic microscope and a transmitted light microscope. The purpose is to determine the specific composition, count the different taxons identified and express the abundance of them in Indiv./L.
This work is done by Cimera’s qualified expert in taxonomy and zooplankton identification.
Analysis of results
With the aim of extracting the most information possible from the data obtained in the zooplankton determinations, in the results report delivered to the customer is the application of a set of descriptions:
- Specific composition and diversity
- Relative abundances
- Internal diversity (α y γ): Shannon-Wiener index and the Simpson index
- Biomass (µg/ind)
For the analysis of data obtained, Cimera has a self-developed computer software application called INDAT, which enables quick and efficient management of the results. Thanks to this, remote incorporation and consultation of identification results, indexes or metres installed is possible in real time.