Examination of microorganisms from pond and water sample
1. MicroB 05 – Microbial Ecology
P r o t o c o l f o r
M i c r o s c o p i c
E x a m i n a t i o n o f
M i c r o o r g a n i s m
s f r o m P o n d
a n d W a t e r
S a m p l e
2. Microscopic life forms are cosmopolitan, found
in almost all-natural conditions. Aquatic
environments such as ponds or any body of
water is an excellent source of microscopic life
forms. The microorganisms that are mostly
found are bacteria, protozoans, algae and even
water bears. We use the microscope in doing
examination of water samples because these
microorganisms are too small to be observed
by the human eye. This activity is considered as
one of the common and simple laboratory
activity.
B a c k g r o u n d
3. • Microscope
• Glass Slide
• Glass Cover Slip
• Dropper/Pipette
• Tissue/Cloth
• Jar
M a t e r i a l s
4. P r o c e d u r e
1. Collect water sample from a pond or any nearby
body of water and contain the sample in the jar.
2. Use the dropper to collect water from the sample
and drop 1 or 2 drops unto the glass slide. Place the
cover slip without letting in any air bubbles and
remove excess water.
3. Place the slide on the stage to observe.
Additional Tip: Make sure to get samples from
the bottom of the jar.
5. 1. Treat all samples as potential pathogens.
P r e c a u t i o n s
2. Wash hands and wipe down working area with
disinfectant prior to working. Before leaving the
laboratory, wipe down your working area with
disinfectant and wash your hands. Wipe any surfaces
or equipment with disinfectant.
3. Avoid all finger or hand-to-mouth contact.
6. R e f e r e n c e s
[1] Pond Water Under the Microscope. (2021). Microscope Master.
https://www.microscopemaster.com/pond-water-microscope.html
[2] Elmoasser Books. (2017, Nov 2). Biology – 1Sec – Examining protists
in a sample of pond water [Video]. YouTube.
https://youtu.be/YH7CPkp3YK8?si=4DruKcTzJD-NL6Tz
[3] Burran, S., & DesRochers, D. (n.d.). “1.4: Microscopy” : LibreTexts
Biology.
https://bio.libretexts.org/Learning_Objects/Laboratory_Experiments/Ge
neral_Biology_Labs/BIOL_1107%3A_Principles_of_Biology_I_Lab_Manua
l_(Burran_and_DesRochers)/01%3A_Labs/1.04%3A_Microscopy
