Biological Monitoring Program

Harmful Algal Blooms

The harmful algal bloom monitoring program will utilize the System-Wide Monitoring System (SWMP) stations.  Samples will be collected monthly at each SWMP station and the composition of microplankton analyzed using the FlowCAM. FlowCAM is a continuous imaging flow cytometer designed to characterize particles in the microplankton size range (10 - 200 um).

The FlowCAM analysis will conduct routine monitoring of microplankton samples for presence of Karenia brevis and other harmful algal species. Samples are pumped through a thin glass chamber, illuminated by a laser. A video camera captures an image of each object an collects information on size (ESD), fluorescence and maximum and minimum dimensions.

We can use cell characteristics and image recognition software to automate recognition of target species. In addition, we use size and fluorescence characteristics to select area of scattergram to reduce the number of cell images to scan for target cells. This approach produces information on the entire microplankton community.

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