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Determinations of particle size distributions in natural waters use of Zeiss Micro-Videomat image analyzer

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Abstract

Use of a Zeiss Micro-Videomat electronic image analyzer for routine measurements of size distributions of particles found in natural waters greater than 0.3 μm has been investigated.

Staining of particles with a solution of Gentiana-violet eliminated the multiple-count problem which has frustrated earlier attempts to use image analyzers for quantitative phytoplankton work. Concentration of samples from the lake water column was successfully achieved with an impact centrifuge. Losses of inorganic particles indicate that the centrifuge method must be evaluated on an individual case basis. Precision and accuracy of the Zeiss Micro-Videomat using either sedimentation (Utermöhl) or centrifugation for sample concentration were satisfactory for particles larger than 1 μm. The system appears promising for routine surveillance of raw water quality at water treatment plants, and performance of unit processes used for particulate removal, as well as for specific investigations of ecological phenomena in natural waters.

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Author notes

  1. A. Vagenknecht Dipl.-Ing., Eidg. Anstalt für Wasserversorgung. Abwasserreinigung und Gewässerschutz (EAWAG), CH-8600 Dübendorf, Switzerland

    Present address: Swiss Federal Institute for Water Resources and Water Pollution Control (EAWAG), CH-8600, Dübendorf, Switzerland

  2. M. C. Kavanaugh &  U. Zimmermann

    Present address: Department of Limnology, Waterworks Zürich James M. Montgomery, Consulting Engineers, Inc., Walmut Creek, Calif., USA

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Swiss Federal Institute for Water Resources and Water Pollution Control (EAWAG), CH-8600, Dübendorf, Switzerland

    M. C. Kavanaugh

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  1. M. C. Kavanaugh
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  2. U. Zimmermann
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  3. A. Vagenknecht Dipl.-Ing., Eidg. Anstalt für Wasserversorgung. Abwasserreinigung und Gewässerschutz (EAWAG), CH-8600 Dübendorf, Switzerland
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Kavanaugh, M.C., Zimmermann, U. & Vagenknecht, A. Determinations of particle size distributions in natural waters use of Zeiss Micro-Videomat image analyzer. Schweiz. Z. Hydrologie 39, 86–98 (1977). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02504481

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02504481

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