Examination of microorganisms from pond and water sample

Ecology

1. MicroB 05 – Microbial Ecology Protocol for Microscopic Examination of Microorganisms from Pond and Water Sample

2. Microscopic life forms are cosmopolitan, found in almost all-natural conditions. Aquatic environments such as ponds or any body of water is an excellent source of microscopic life forms. The microorganisms that are mostly found are bacteria, protozoans, algae and even water bears. We use the microscope in doing examination of water samples because these microorganisms are too small to be observed by the human eye. This activity is considered as one of the common and simple laboratory activity. Background

3. Microscope Glass Slide Glass Cover Slip Dropper/Pipette Tissue/Cloth Jar Materials

4. Procedure 1. Collect water sample from a pond or any nearby body of water and contain the sample in the jar. 2. Use the dropper to collect water from the sample and drop 1 or 2 drops unto the glass slide. Place the cover slip without letting in any air bubbles and remove excess water. 3. Place the slide on the stage to observe. Additional Tip : Make sure to get samples from the bottom of the jar.

5. 1. Treat all samples as potential pathogens. Precautions 2. Wash hands and wipe down working area with disinfectant prior to working. Before leaving the laboratory, wipe down your working area with disinfectant and wash your hands. Wipe any surfaces or equipment with disinfectant. 3. Avoid all finger or hand-to-mouth contact.

6. References [1] Pond Water Under the Microscope. (2021). Microscope Master. https://www.microscopemaster.com/pond-water-microscope.html [2] Elmoasser Books. (2017, Nov 2). Biology – 1Sec – Examining protists in a sample of pond water [Video]. YouTube. https://youtu.be/YH7CPkp3YK8?si=4DruKcTzJD-NL6Tz [3] Burran , S., & DesRochers , D. ( n.d. ). “1.4: Microscopy” : LibreTexts Biology. https://bio.libretexts.org/Learning_Objects/Laboratory_Experiments/General_Biology_Labs/BIOL_1107%3A_Principles_of_Biology_I_Lab_Manual_(Burran_and_DesRochers)/01%3A_Labs/1.04%3A_Microscopy