During a trip to sample for toxic trace elements, this spot was found along the main branch of the Patuxent River, near Unity. The microbial group is sampling in the Everglades again this year. These trips are made to determine the factors that contribute to mercury cycling. Another photo taken during an Everglades sampling trip. Many experiments are performed on plankton or need plankton to operate realistically.
Plankton is collected in the field, usually by towing a net with very small openings.
This is an example of a plankton net. To learn more about plankton, visit the microscope room on the virtual tour. The Estuarine Research Center is located right at the point of the Patuxent River and St. Leonard's Creek. This is a view from the shore nearby.