Description
Scale an observed plankton count to a reference volume.
Aquatic sampling expands observed counts using supplied area, filtered volume or processed fractions. Net efficiency, slip and grain-class boundaries affect that accounting. A scaled count or one-point class assignment does not establish true population abundance, detection probability or a universal substrate classification.
Scale an observed plankton count to a reference volume.
When to use this tool
Use Plankton Count Volume Factor when checking the stated aquatic sampling-volume, density or class-boundary convention.
How to use the tool and how it works
- Enter count, sampledVolume, referenceVolume. Use the units and conventions below.
- Run the tool. Correct any format, range, or cross-field input error before interpreting the output.
- Read scaledCount. Use the output convention below.
Scale an observed plankton count to a reference volume. Require nonnegative whole count, sampledVolume > 0 and referenceVolume >= 0; scaledCount = count*referenceVolume/sampleVolume.1
| Input field | Meaning and units | Accepted input |
|---|---|---|
| count | Supplied observation count on the stated sampling basis. | Required. Safe integer; minimum 0. |
| sampledVolume | Sampled Volume | Required. Finite number; strictly above 0. |
| referenceVolume | Reference Volume | Required. Finite number; minimum 0. |
| Output field | Interpretation | Returned shape |
|---|---|---|
| scaledCount | Scaled Count | Required. Finite number. |
{
"input": {
"count": 12,
"sampledVolume": 3,
"referenceVolume": 10
},
"output": {
"scaledCount": 40
}
}Limitations and assumptions
- The result may be fractional; homogeneous sampling, detection and meaningful extrapolation are not established.
- Inputs must satisfy both the field types and the cross-field conditions above. Invalid input causes an error; a successful false flag or documented placeholder is a different result.
- Numeric calculations use binary floating point unless exact decimal-integer arithmetic is explicitly stated. No hidden measurement tolerance or decimal rounding is added; nonfinite or out-of-contract results are rejected. Numeric signed-zero results are exported as zero.
Alternative or Complementary methods
Use verified field methods, calibrated sampling efficiency and an appropriate statistical or classification scheme for abundance and ecological assessment.
References
Similar or alternative tools
- Plankton Net Volume Factor
Return nominal and factor-corrected plankton net volume.
- Plankton Flowmeter Slip Factor
Return flowmeter-slip-adjusted tow distance and volume.