Silicon carbide strip as a simple and excellent tool for pelagic planktonic diatom baiting

Diatoms are of major interest to scientists. They play an important role in maintaining ecological balance. They use nitrogen, phosphorus and silicon for photosynthesis and for development of their frustules. The intriguing patterning of biosilica on their cell walls makes them an important object of study in nanotechnology. They are beneficial in synthesis of biosilica and other bio materials, which find their use in electronics, biomedical applications, drug delivery and varied other areas. Diatoms help in biomineralization, waste degradation and toxicity indication. They have a huge industrial application. There are various devices for collecting and study of diatoms in water bodies. In this study we explored silicon carbide strips of two different sizes (80 grit and 100 grit) to find out their efficacy in concentrating pelagic planktonic diatoms on their surfaces in water bodies. This novel approach may help us in easy collection and for straightforward determination of the prevalence of different species of diatoms in a locality. After analysis of the data originated from this study we found that they can concentrate diatoms ~10 times after 48h exposure in water bodies and 100 grit variety is better than the 80 grit type.