USING FLOWCAM TO CREATE A MARINE PHYTOPLANKTON COMMUNITY LIBRARY FOR TAMPA BAY, FL

Phytoplankton are the primary producers serving as the basis of marine food webs. This functional group includes species from many taxonomic groups, and can differ greatly by location and over time. Phytoplankton were collected from Tampa Bay using the seawater system at Galbraith Marine Science Lab, and the water was sieved through a 20 μm mesh. Using a FlowCam 8400, a flow-through fluorescent imaging microscope, phytoplankton were imaged and classified, utilizing a 633 nm laser and fluorescence trigger for chlorophyll. These images and classifications will be compiled into a Phytoplankton Field Guide of Tampa Bay. Initial analysis will include relative abundance of predominant phytoplankton species. Future work includes studying relative abundance of phytoplankton species over time and differentiating between microplastics and biotic material in environmental samples. This research will promote community education and understanding of the phytoplankton in Tampa Bay.

For more information: ajwiatrowski@eckered.edu