Abstract
We introduce an image cytometer (I-CYT) for the analysis of phytoplankton in fresh and marine water environments. A linear quantification of cell numbers was observed covering several orders of magnitude using cultures of Tetraselmis and Nannochloropsis measured by autofluorescence in a laboratory environment. We assessed the functionality of the system outside the laboratory by phytoplankton quantification of samples taken from a marine water environment (Dutch Wadden Sea, The Netherlands) and a fresh water environment (Lake Ijssel, The Netherlands). The I-CYT was also employed to study the effects of two ballast water treatment systems (BWTS), based on chlorine electrolysis and UV sterilization, with the analysis including the vitality of the phytoplankton. For comparative study and benchmarking of the I-CYT, a standard flow cytometer was used. Our results prove a limit of detection (LOD) of 10 cells/ml with an accuracy between 0.7 and 0.5 log, and a correlation of 88.29% in quantification and 96.21% in vitality, with respect to the flow cytometry results.
Highlights
Globalization has become a primary driver of one of the most prevalent forms of environmental degradation: marine invasive species; as trade continues to flourish, bioinvasion is becoming more difficult to handle [1]
The image cytometer (I-CYT) was employed to study the effects of two ballast water treatment systems (BWTS), based on chlorine electrolysis and UV sterilization, with the analysis including the vitality of the phytoplankton
We introduced an optical reader based on angular spatial frequency processing and incorporating consumer electronics complementary-metal-oxide semiconductor (CMOS) image sensor array for the detection of waterborne microorganisms [15]
Summary
Globalization has become a primary driver of one of the most prevalent forms of environmental degradation: marine invasive species; as trade continues to flourish, bioinvasion is becoming more difficult to handle [1]. Among the marine invasive species, microorganisms carried in ballast water (BW) can spread into a new habitat. This can generate a potentially devastating impact threatening the ecosystem and human activities [2]. BW on ships is considered as the most important vector in dispersing invasive species throughout the world [4] as more than 150.000 metric tons of fresh/marine water can be pumped in or out in only one ballast / de-ballast operation [5]. In response to the threats from continued introductions of aquatic invasive species, the United Nations - International Marine Organization (IMO) adopted the International Convention for the Control and Management of Ships’ Ballast Water and Sediments [6]. Its compliance requires testing for phytoplankton, zooplankton, toxicogenic Vibrio cholera, Escherichia coli and intestinal Enterococci upon discharge of the ballast water in the harbor
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
