Reviewing Calcareous Nannoplankton studying methods and proposing an innovative simultaneous sample preparation technique for both Light and Scanning Electron Microscope

Calcareous nannoplankton, a group of marine microrganisms, play a significant role in producing chalky limestones. They are predominantly associated with microscopic algae known as Haptophytes and can be found in both modern seawater and sediment, as well as in ancient ocean sediments. Selecting the appropriate sample preparation method is crucial for nannoplankton studies. This research explores various standard methods for sediment preparation for a light microscope (LM), such as smear slide, pipette strew slide, gravity settling, and centrifuging, along with methods specific to samples retrieved from seawater. Additionally, a technique for preparing samples for scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to analyze nannofacies is discussed. Furthermore, an innovative sample preparing technique for simultaneous study in LM and SEM is proposed. In addition, methods for determining the absolute abundance, Shannon diversity index, species richness, evenness, nutrient index, and species preservation, which are used in ecological analyses, have been discussed. Consequently, this study serves as a comprehensive guide to standard preparation techniques and studying methods for calcareous nannoplankton, facilitating biological, biostratigraphical, and paleoecological studies.