Bacterioplankton counting methods

Bacterioplankton counting methods refer to various techniques used to estimate the abundance and biomass of bacterioplankton—microscopic bacteria that drift in aquatic environments, both freshwater and marine. Bacterioplankton play critical roles in nutrient cycling, organic matter decomposition, and as a food source for higher trophic levels in aquatic ecosystems. Accurate counting and characterization of these microorganisms are crucial for understanding their ecological roles.