Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 11, 2026

An Ultra-clean Multilayer Apparatus for Collecting Size Fractionated Marine Plankton and Suspended Particles
Published on: April 19, 2018
The role of surface chemistry in filter feeding by zooplankton
Abstract:
Surface chemistry of both particles and animals is important in filter feeding at low Reynolds number. Daphnia magna, fed mixtures of three sizes of polystyrene particles, retained particles that were smaller than the mesh size of the animals (1.0 micrometer) at greater efficiencies than predicted by a sieving model. Retention efficiency of the smallest particles (0.5 micrometer) was increased when negative surface charge on the particles was neutralized, and retention was decreased when a nonionic surfactant was, added to reduce wettability.
Related Concept Videos
Freshwater Microbial Ecology
Marine Microbial Ecology
Microbes and Other Elemental Cycles
Primary Production
Microbial Mats
Microbial Interactions: Predation

