Re: Can't find microbes in lake water

From: KBob (KBob_at_nowhere.net)
Date: 12/28/04 

Date: Tue, 28 Dec 2004 16:43:23 GMT

On Fri, 06 Aug 2004 06:17:51 GMT, "GTO" <gregor_o@NOSPAMyahoo.com>
wrote:

>I agree that this microscope [1] is a toy and your recommendation to
>purchase a used scope is very good. But I still believe that it is better
>than the optics used by Leeuwenhoek [2].
>
>Hence, there is most certainly a possibility for Bob to see single cell
>plants and animals using his scope. I believe his problems are in sample
>prep.
>
>Prof. Werner Nachtigall writes in his beautiful booklet about Microscopy
>[3]:
>
>"Where there is water, there is life. However, a drop of water taken from a
>large, clear lake would contain live organisms only in the rare
>circumstances of a heavy "bloom" of microorganisms."
>
>I recommend to read Werner's chapter about "Aquatic Microorganisms".
>
>Gregor
>
>[1] http://scientificsonline.com/product.asp_Q_pn_E_3112201
>[2] http://www.ucmp.berkeley.edu/history/leeuwenhoek.html
>[3] W. Nachtigall, Exploring with the Microscope, page 111, Sterling
>Publishing Co, Inc., 1995.
>
There's also a seasonal aspect to this. In the cold of winter many
protozoa encystize or go to the bottom. Best bet is to do a visual
survey of the lake shore, and sample from areas where there is
evidence of vegetation or scum present, or where the water is
relatively still, or stagnant. I find a large number of protozoa just
from the birdbath in front of my home, even in winter.

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