Aquatic Sciences Meeting, Albuquerque 2001

PC01 Harmful Algal Blooms

Date: Tuesday, February 13, 2001

Location: Southwest Hall

Scholin, C, , MBARI, Moss Landing, USA, scholin@mbari.org

Marin, R, , MBARI, Moss Landing, USA, maro@mbari.org

Massion, G, , MBARI, Moss Landing, USA, magene@mbari.org

Brown, M, , MBARI, Moss Landing, USA, mob@mbari.org

Cline, D, , MBARI, Moss Landing, USA, dcline@mbari.org

Jensen, S, , MBARI, Moss Landing, USA, sjensen@mbari.org

Scholfield, J, , MBARI, Moss Landing, USA, scji@mbari.org

IN SITU, AUTONOMOUS DETECTION OF HARMFUL ALGAE

Development and application of species-specific molecular probes is one means to speed and ease the detection and quantification of a wide range of harmful algae. However, application of the probes for routine analysis of natural samples is presently hindered by the need for repetitive operations that typically demand trained personnel and specialized laboratory facilities. These requirements restrict the utilization of molecular probes for ecological studies because the rate of sample processing is often limited and application of the technology outside of a laboratory setting is difficult, sometimes impossible. In an effort to overcome these problems a novel instrument, referred to as the Environmental Sample Processor, or ESP, was developed. The ESP is designed to collect discrete water samples subsurface autonomously, concentrate microorganisms contained within those samples onto filter disks and automate application of preservatives, DNA (or other molecular probes) to enable identification and quantification of particular species captured. In addition to archiving discrete samples for DNA extraction, microscopy and toxin analysis, the instrument can also transmit results of probe assays in real-time to a remote location for data processing and interpretation.

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Aquatic Sciences Meeting, Albuquerque 2001

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