This study presents a simple and efficient method for analyzing microphytobenthos from marine sediments. Sampling was conducted at seven sites in Ilha Grande Bay, Rio de Janeiro State, Brazil. A flotation method using a sugar solution was employed, with organisms recovered from the supernatant and analyzed subsequently. A total of thirteen taxa were identified, predominantly diatoms, along with silicoflagellates, Cyanobacteria, and Foraminifera. The proposed method does not require Ludox, centrifugation or other expensive equipment, making it cost-effective and accessible for similar studies and environmental monitoring.
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Environmental Sciences, Aquatic and Coastal Environments.
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