Artificial sediment particle (stained with SybrGreen II) in a culture inoculated
with sediment of the Pacific Ocean (from left to right) at phase contrast
illumination, under UV light, and under mixed illumination
If the bacteria can be stimulated to grow they are much easier detectable. Here a microcolony after several months of incubation. Without fluorescence (left) the cells are perfectly hidden.
Bacteria in sediments of the Pacific Ocean
