Accurate enumeration and identification of Testacea (Protozoa, Rhizopoda) in forest soil using scanning electron microscopy.

A new procedure is used for separating Testacea from soil, based on dispersion, sequential centrifugation settling, and subsequent filtration of the soil suspension. Combined with scanning electron microscopy (SEM), this procedure allows accurate enumeration of Testacea, with a recovery rate of 90% and more precise counting (relative standard deviation, RSD: 5%) of Testacea than in previous works.