Automatic periphyton sampler (APS): A new technique for precise in-situ sampling of periphyton in aquatic environments

Abstract

Periphyton are important component indicators in ecosystems, the traditional method of sampling periphyton is not only time-consuming and laborious, but difficult to quantify accurately, which easily causes sample loss and distorts data. On the other hand, the traditional method also requires high proficiency of researchers for sampling. At the same time, when a large number of samples of periphyton need to be collected, the traditional method is inefficient in sampling, so a unified and highly efficient sampling tool is desperately required. Here we present a simple structure, easy operation and low-cost sampling device, Automatic Periphyton Sampler (APS), that can be used to collect periphyton fastly and precisely in a fixed areas of different types of natural substrates. Periphyton from three different natural substrates were collected at different sites using both APS and traditional method, based on the comparison of chlorophyll a content, ash-free dry mass, cell counts, and taxonomic composition. The results show that the APS is more suitable for the periphyton sampling. The study demonstrates that the APS is a portable, efficient, and automated tool that significantly enhances the efficiency of periphyton sampling in the field, and saving labor and time. The new technique can reduce the reliance on researchers and overcome the issue of collecting samples of periphyton on unpickable and stable substrates. Furthermore, modifications can be made to adapt the APS to various natural substrates and field environments.