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Application of stable isotope tracers to studies of zooplankton feeding, using the rotifer Brachionus calyciflorus as an example

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Rotifera X

Part of the book series: Developments in Hydrobiology ((DIHY,volume 181))

Abstract

We present a protocol and calculation methods for the determination of zooplankton ingestion and assimilation rates with stable isotope tracers. These methods have been developed from experiments with the rotifer Brachionus calyciflorus that had been fed 13C-labelled Scenedesmus obliquus. Stable isotope tracers offer the same advantages as radioisotopes. These include the possibility for direct and accurate quantification of ingestion and assimilation rates, short sample analysis times and low animal densities requirements. However, the use of stable isotope tracers requires relatively long sample preparation times and specialist equipment and is, thus, relatively costly for most laboratories. The application of stable isotope tracers in zooplankton feeding studies offers several advantages in comparison with radioisotopes. Firstly, they do not emit harmful radiation and can therefore be applied safely both in the laboratory and in the field. Secondly, the samples can be dried for safe storage and easy transportation. Thirdly, no aggressive chemicals are required for sample analysis.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Centre for Limnology, Netherlands Institute of Ecology (NIOO-KNAW), Rijksstraatweg 6, 3631 AC, Nieuwersluis, The Netherlands

    Antonie M. Verschoor, Harry Boonstra & Thijs Meijer

Authors
  1. Antonie M. Verschoor
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  2. Harry Boonstra
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  3. Thijs Meijer
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Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Biological Station Neusiedler See, Illmitz, Austria

    Alois Herzig

  2. Centre of Limnology, NIOO, Nieuwersluis, The Netherlands

    Ramesh D. Gulati

  3. University of Salzburg, Austria

    Christian D. Jersabek

  4. Centre for Ecology and Hydrology, Penicuik, Midlothian, Scotland

    Linda May

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Verschoor, A.M., Boonstra, H., Meijer, T. (2005). Application of stable isotope tracers to studies of zooplankton feeding, using the rotifer Brachionus calyciflorus as an example. In: Herzig, A., Gulati, R.D., Jersabek, C.D., May, L. (eds) Rotifera X. Developments in Hydrobiology, vol 181. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/1-4020-4408-9_54

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