Liquid scintillation counting of filtered algae in primary production studies

A technique for preparing phytoplankton samples for liquid scintillation counting and standardization has been developed. It consists of digestion of the carbon-14 labeled algae on small, inert filters coupled with a filter standardization and channels ratio method of efficiency determination. The technique is an alternative to many currently used methods which result in two-phase systems whose counting efficiency cannot be easily determined. Although it does not produce a purely homogeneous solution, the proposed technique does allow for a more accurate determination of counting efficiency within the usual range of application in eutrophic or saline water.