[Phytoplankton in carbonate sands column experiment] - Time series of phytoplankton cells released from carbonate sands column experiment in Marathon, FL Keys in Jul and Aug 2025 (Chromatographic separation and degradation of dissolved and particulate organic matter in permeable shelf sediment)

The water penetrating the sands carries particles that may be slowed or trapped in the sediment matrix. The Phytoplankton in carbonate sands column experiment investigated the transport and separation of phytoplankton algae through sand columns.

Carbonate sands of two grain sizes common in coastal and shelf environments were tested. Water with a natural phytoplankton community dominated by green algae (~5-10 µm diameter) and cyanobacteria (~2-5 µm) was pumped through the sands. Time series of phytoplankton cells released from the columns were analyzed using flow cytometry.