A field evaluation of plate and screen microlayer sampling techniques

Abstract

Field studies of surface microlayer sampling methods involving simultaneous use of glass plates and two depths of screens have been conducted. Intercomparisons of the two methods are based upon thicknesses of sample and amounts of dissolved organic carbon, dissolved UV-absorbing phenolic materials, chlorophyll a, ATP and particulate organic carbon and nitrogen collected. Plate samples are always thinnest, and are influenced by wave state and bulkwater temperature. Amounts of materials collected generally follow sample thicknesses. Biases toward fractions of microlayer materials are not evident in either method. It was concluded that intercomparisons of data collected separately by the two methods is inadvisable.