Project Title:

Application of a continuous imaging flow cytometer for monitoring estuarine microplankton.

Principal Investigators:

Michael Sieracki
Christian Sieracki
Bigelow Laboratory for Ocean Sciences, W. Boothbay Harbor, ME

Work Accomplishments

Goals for the period of 2/1/00 to 7/31/00

For this period, our goals were:

1) Completion of integration and testing of all FlowCAM components
2) Installation of the FlowCAM at the Wells Harbor site
3) Continuous operation and maintenance of the instrument
4) Interpretation and broadcast of FlowCAM results

Work Plan to Accomplish these Goals


Concerns or Difficulties

• Failure of the bulk fluorometer interface. This has been repaired.
  
• Excessive solar heating of the instrument, leading to erroneous water
  temperature readings on warm sunny days.
  
• Excessive biofouling of the FlowCAM imaging flow chamber. This was
  ameliorated by a change in the instrument maintenance schedule.
  
• Low quality internet access of the Wells NERR, hindering access to Wells FlowCAM data. Additional funds were used to upgrade the Wells NERR internet wiring so that data can be served to the web in real time.
  

Anticipated Success in Meeting Project Objectives in Scheduled Project Period

The application of a continuous imaging flow cytometer for monitoring estuarine microplankton is going very well (see preliminary data). We are anticipating complete success in meeting our objectives.

Preliminary Data

The FlowCAM has been in operation at the Wells town dock since late April, 2000.

In a broad sense, the microplankton population as shown by FlowCAM data and images has progressed from a late spring population of large ciliates, large diatoms and some dinoflagellates (Figure 1) to a summer population dominated by small diatoms and large dinoflagellates (Figure 2).

Fig 1

Fig 2

Fig 3 -

Figure 3 is a graph of data for a period starting on July 20, 2000. The salinity data shows the tidal variation at the location and the influx of coastal water to the Wells Harbor site. The particle size data shows a variation with the tides. During periods of low tide, the harbor is dominated by estuarine diatoms and ciliates. During high tide, the harbor is populated by dinoflagellates and some diatoms. Cell pictures from this same data set are superimposed to illustrate the populations.

Figure 4 displays data for August 16th, 2000 in detail. Again, the estuarine water is populated by smaller diatoms and the influx of ocean water brings dinoflagellates. A couple of veligers were detected as well.

This preliminary data analysis shows that the FlowCAM is detecting many different species of microplankton as well as detecting shifts in the plankton community over time and with tides. Therefore, we have reason to believe that the instrument will meet the goals of the proposal.

Goals and Activities for the Next Report Period

Goals for the Next Period

Over the next six months, we shall continue to maintain the Wells FlowCAM and use the internet link for realtime data distribution. Monthly interpretations of the data will be provided. The website will be upgraded to facilitate these goals.

Work Plan to Accomplish Tasks.

To accomplish maintenance of the FlowCAM, we shall visit the site up to twice a month and shall provide phone assistance to the Wells NERR personnel.

Concerns or Difficulties

During the next 6 months, the dredging of the Wells harbor will be taking place. This will provide a great opportunity for monitoring but will also be a challenge since the docks at Wells will be under stress and may be moved to accommodate the dredging. This may mean that the FlowCAM will have to be moved and temporarily off line.

Expenditures

Salaries		$15,773.21
Fringe		$ 8,263.11
Perm Equipment		$36,090.00
Travel		$79.05
Materials		$5000.00
Publications		$0
Contract/Fabrication		$10,550.00
Other Direct Costs		$338.58
------------------		------------
TOTAL DIRECT COSTS		$76,093.95
INDIRECT COSTS		$20,275.76
TOTAL COSTS		$96,369.71

Please also be advised about our FlowCAM website which has many images of the Wells FlowCAM
it is at:

http://flowcam.bigelow.org