Development of a European optical plankton analysis system : flow cytometer based technology for automated phytoplankton identification and quantification

Objective

In spite of the rapid progress of the past decade, the use of flow cytometry in the aquatic sciences is still hampered by a lack of suitable equipment tailored to the range of cell size, shape and pigment content encountered in phytoplankton
analysis. This project has the objective of developing a
user-friendly flow cytometer for phytoplankton analysis and
sorting with the following characteristics:

1) a large dynamic range;

2) an increased discrimination level by incorporating pulse shape analysis, light diffraction measurements, and video
imaging-in-flow of the individual particles;

3) the possibility of on-line identification with the aid of sophisticated data-analysis tools of cells for routine
shipboard analysis; and

4) a modular set-up of the instrument with a high degree of ease of deployment and operation.

This development will provide information in unprecedented
detail on the abundance, dynamics, and physiological
characteristics of phytoplankton, microzooplankton, and other aquatic particles. It is expected to open the door to a whole new area of research in aquatic ecology. If the technology
becomes operational, the taxonomists work will increasingly
shift from the laborious counting of individuals to
verification of species.

Programme(s)

• FP3-MAST 2 - Specific research and technological development programme (EEC) in the field of marine science and technology, 1990-1994

Topic(s)

• 0301 - Instrumentation for science

Funding Scheme

CSC - Cost-sharing contracts

Coordinator

Nederlandse Organisatie voor Toegepast Natuurwetenschappelijk Onderzoek

Address

501,Laan Van Westenenk 501
7300 AH Apeldoorn
Netherlands

Participants (9)

Dubelaar Research Instruments Engineering

Netherlands

Address

Zeelt 2
2411 DE Bodegraven

MAX-PLANCK-GESELLSCHAFT ZUR FOERDERUNG DER WISSENSCHAFTEN E.V.

Germany

Address

Am Klopferspitz 18 A
82152 Martinsried

MINISTRY OF TRANSPORT PUBLIC WORKS AND WATER MANAGEMENT

Netherlands

Address

Kortenaerkade 1
2500 EX Den Haag ('S-gravenhage)

NERC Centre of Coastal and Marine Sciences

United Kingdom

Address

Prospect Place West Hoe
PL1 3DH Plymouth

NETHERLANDS ORGANISATION FOR APPLIED SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH - TNO

Netherlands

Address

9,Zernikedreef 9 Gaubius
2301 CE Leiden

TECHNISCHE UNIVERSITEIT DELFT

Netherlands

Address

Julianalaan 134
2628 BL Delft

Universiteit van Amsterdam

Netherlands

Address

320,Kruislaan
1098 SM Amsterdam

University of Strathclyde

United Kingdom

Address

John Anderson Building 107 Rottenrow
G4 0NG Glasgow

University of Wales Cardiff

United Kingdom

Address

CF1 3TL Cardiff