VIEWING TECHNIQUES THROUGH A MICROSCOPE
Equipment
Microscope (at least 100x), microscope slides and cover slips, sticky labels,
tap water, rag or paper towel.
Photomicrographs of bacteria [tabular format]
Photomicrographs of bacteria [standard list]
Procedures
Flocs:
1. Put a drop of the floc on a microscope slide.
2. Cover drop with cover slip.
3. View through microscope.
Oil-like films or bacteria attached to slides:
1. Remove any debris from slide (so as not to scratch the microscope lens).
2. Wipe off the back of each slide with a rag.
3. View through microscope (cover slip not needed).
4. To see more details, put a drop of water on slide and cover drop with
cover slip.
Acid Creeks
In acid creeks in mining regions like this at Contrary Creek,
Va., iron-rich precipitates often contain sulfur and are yellow. Many iron-oxidizing
bacteria such as Thiobacillus thiooxidans and T. ferrooxidans
produce this "yellow boy." Not all water in mining regions is
acid, however. Although Contrary Creek is acid, its tributary (slightly
left of center) is neutral and has red flocs and the usual suite of neutral
iron bacteria.
This oil-like film at Contrary Creek, Va., floats on acid water,
as shown by the indicator paper. Under the microscope, the film is colonized
by unknown rod-shaped bacteria.
Contents
"Tools Needed"
Contact: Norrie Robbins
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