Hi everyone,

I'm fairly new to the world of SIA and I need some advice on techniques used
to process macroalgae samples.  I have recently returned from the field with
periphyton samples which have been kept on ice in diluted HCl solution(~pH
4.0).  It appears in the literature that these samples are often processed
in a manner similar to other types of plant material.  However, I have
concerns regarding the removal of particulate organic matter that tend to
occur in these samples.  I have considered filtering with a very coarse
filter (8 um or so) but these filters tend to be constructed of
polycarbonate which introduces another potential source.  Does anyone have
any advice on dealing with these types of samples, in particular, good
references which might describe such techniques in detail.  I would
sincerely appreciate any advice that you could offer in this regard.

Many thanks,

Simon Geoghegan
Dept. of Zoology
Ecology & Evolution Group
University of Western Ontario
Office/Lab: Collip 208
Phone: 661-2111 x-6793