Using flow cytometry to monitor harmful algae in coastal waters: establishing a regional testing arena in Poole Harbour with national benefits

Toxic phytoplankton species that accumulate in shellfish destined for human consumption can have a negative impact on public health and economies. As such legislative bodies like the European Union require member states to... [ view full abstract ]

Toxic phytoplankton species that accumulate in shellfish destined for human consumption can have a negative impact on public health and economies. As such legislative bodies like the European Union require member states to monitor both the presence (count) and distribution of biotoxin-producing marine phytoplankton or harmful algal blooms (HABs) in areas where shellfish are harvested. 

The current method to assess harmful algae in UK coastal waters (microscopy) is relatively labour intensive and does not provide frequent data (approximately 2-4 weeks).  Despite phytoplankton monitoring programmes and considerable international scientific collaboration, the understanding of HAB formation is still poorly characterised, which highlights the need for a real time and more automated approach. As an analytical tool flow cytometry (FCM) is being ever more used in aquatic microbiology and has the potential to identify and enumerate toxic phytoplankton groups through light scatter and fluorescence.

We plan to use a number of cultured harmful algae (Pseudo nitzschia, Alexandrium and other dinoflagellates) with assessment via a relatively cheap flow cytometer (Accuri C6). With optimised protocols on light scatter and fluorescence we plan to discriminate harmful algae amongst all phytoplankton in water samples taken from a local shellfish harvesting area (Poole Harbour) then compare detection with microscopy. 

The study will evaluate the technique and instrumentation of FCM as a measuring tool to provide an early warning system for toxin-producing algal groups. FCM advantages and limitations will be discussed as a safeguard for consumers, employment and economic losses through a monitoring platform with potential global benefits.