Examination of a high resolution laser optical plankton counter and FlowCAM for measuring plankton concentration and size

摘要: Abstract Many commercial ships will soon begin to use treatment systems manage their ballast water and reduce the global transfer of harmful aquatic organisms pathogens in accordance with upcoming International Maritime Organization regulations. As a result, rapid accurate automated methods be needed monitoring compliance ships' water. We examined two particle counters for ≥ 50 μm minimum dimension: High Resolution Laser Optical Plankton Counter (HR-LOPC), Flow Cytometer digital imaging Microscope (FlowCAM), comparison traditional (manual) microscopy considering plankton concentration, size frequency distributions measurements. The tools tended underestimate concentration compared standard microscopy, but gave similar results terms relative abundance individual taxa. For most taxa, measurements generated by FlowCAM ABD (Area Based Diameter) were more microscope than those ESD (Equivalent Spherical Diameter), though there was mismatch estimates some between due orientation complex morphology. When single problematic taxon is very abundant, resulting distribution curves can become skewed, as observed Asterionella this study. In particular, special consideration when utilizing analyse samples containing colonial species. Re-analysis removal from data resulted across having best fit microscope, although still significantly higher other methods. our study indicate that both generate particles might particularly useful if correction factors developed known differences well-studied ecosystems.