In situ particle (floc) size measurements with the benthos 373 plankton silhouette camera

The Benthos 373 plankton silhouette camera was one of the first instruments used to study the in situ particle size spectra of flocculated material. Based on a concept originally developed by H. Edgerton for the study of live zooplankton samples, the relatively non-invasive nature of the camera has made it well suited for the study of flocculated suspensions in the coastal zone. Results from studies using the camera showed clearly the dynamic nature of particle flocculation in both fresh and salt water environments. Originally limited by the time required to carry out image analysis of the photographs obtained, recent advances in the digitization of photo negatives and image analysis software have increased the usefulness of this camera for studies of particulate material in the coastal zone.