A comparison of phytoplankton and total particle counts

Phytoplankton counts made under the light microscope were compared to counts using an electronic dimensional particle counter. Counts were made on a monthly basis, on water samples taken from one station in the Sanyati Basin. Neither total particle numbers nor total particle volume compare closely with phytoplankton numbers. Total particle numbers were of the order of one and a half to two times greater than the phytoplankton numbers.