Plankton Analysis by Automated Submersible Imaging Flow Cytometry: Transforming a Specialized Research Instrument into a Broadly Accessible Tool and Extending its Target Size Range.

摘要

Detailed knowledge of the composition and characteristics of the particles suspended in seawater is crucial to an understanding of the biology, optics, and geochemistry of the oceans. The composition and size distribution of the phytoplankton community, for example, help determine the flow of carbon and nutrients through an ecosystem and can be important indicators of how coastal environments respond to anthropogenic disturbances such as nutrient loading and pollution. Our goal was to provide researchers with instruments to continuously monitor phytoplankton community structure and investigate questions about the world's ocean ecosystems.