Testing the usefulness of a simple automatic method for particles abundance and size determination to derive cost-effective biological indicators in large monitoring networks

A simple automatic method has been tested for biological quality assessment in coastal and estuarine waters. Samples collected in routine campaigns along the Basque coast (northern Spain) were analysed by both, a traditional microscopy technique (Utermöhl) and the flow cytometer and microscope (Flow...

Full description

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Published in:Hydrobiologia 2013-03, Vol.704 (1), p.231-252
Main Authors: Garmendia, Maialen, Revilla, Marta, Zarauz, Lucía
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Analysis
Atoms & subatomic particles
Biology
Biomedical and Life Sciences
Brackish
Coasts
Ecology
Estuaries
Eutrophication
Fluorescence
Freshwater & Marine Ecology
Indicators (Biology)
Life Sciences
Methods
Particle size
Phytoplankton
Water Bodies in Europe
Zoology
Citations: Items that this one cites
Items that cite this one
Online Access:Get full text
Tags: Add Tag
No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!
Description
Summary:A simple automatic method has been tested for biological quality assessment in coastal and estuarine waters. Samples collected in routine campaigns along the Basque coast (northern Spain) were analysed by both, a traditional microscopy technique (Utermöhl) and the flow cytometer and microscope (FlowCAM). The FlowCAM was operated in AutoImage mode (i.e. without fluorescence measurements). Two different FlowCAM procedures were carried out in two campaigns separately (2005 and 2008). These differed mainly in the lower size-threshold of the particles sampled: 10 μm in 2005, and 4 μm in 2008. The degree of divergence was evaluated, recognizing that the Utermöhl method and the FlowCAM (as employed here) count differently (i.e. phytoplankton cells and particles, respectively). In general, higher concentrations were observed with the FlowCAM (although there were some exceptions in 2005). Relationships between physico-chemical and FlowCAM variables were studied and patterns of natural variability were identified. However, a clear response to nutrient pressure was not found. It is concluded that the potential of this automatic method for deriving cost-effective indicators is limited, especially in estuaries, due to the high interference with suspended material. Further studies incorporating fluorescence measurements with the FlowCAM may be more promising. The standardization of procedures is highly recommended.
ISSN:0018-8158
1573-5117
DOI:10.1007/s10750-012-1400-x