CytoSub: the under water flow cytometer

Waterproof flow cytometers for submerged use in sea, lakes and ponds

CytoSub’s are submersible versions of CytoSense: the scan and imaging flow cytometer

the most efficient method to obtain high definition high frequency data (microscopy level) from remote in-situ locations / stations and full photonic zone depths. No financial and logistic burden of taking samples to the lab. No waiting – direct answers.
Reliable data and surprising images of phyto- and zooplankton, fresh and undamaged in their natural ecosystem in their natural aggregation state. No tampering with samples, plankton nets or fixation deforming species beyond recognition.
Upgrade surface and subsurface monitoring stations and underwater vehicles with single cell analysis & imaging power.

operational oceanography monitoring
coastal observing networks
lake and river in-situ monitoring
aquatics and ecosystem bio-engineering and restoration control
early warning for sensitive ecosystems, aquaculture & farming, drinking source water protection
depth profiling

CytoSub provides a new type of comprehensive data for these applications, for an unprecedented size range of particulate matter and organisms.

For example:

high resolution data on all types of particles for fluxes and balance, primary production, eutrophication and algal blooms, important for economic and recreational activities
high frequency microscope level particle and cell images and scans from remote in-situ locations.
detect and identify harmful algal blooms (HAB’s) like cyanobacterial blooms and notice emerging species before they start blooming (impossible by bulk-optical sensors).
Detect not only picoplankton, nanoplankton, microplankton, both phytoplankton & zooplankton and small mesozooplankton, but also aggregates and colonies.
study sediment transport with direct detection of suspended particulate matter (instead of FTU), from smallest nanometer sized particles to large mineral particles, aggregates and flocs, separate analysis of phytoplankton abundance and composition.
Detects also microplastics and even nanoplastics by light scattering in combimation with imaging
Provides data to link with observations from satellites: CytoSub-Data from a fixed insitu location (such as mounted in the CytoBuoy) is the most versatile and always-available ground/sea truth data for validation and interpretation of remote sensing products (alagal blooms, suspended particulate matter, water column light attenuation and chlorophyll concentration, phytoplankton composition).

Operates to 200 m water depth

Compact design for handling and mounting e.g. on frame or in buoy

Marine cables for interactive control, data transmission and power supply

Low power use for battery operation (without cable)

Easily convertible for benchtop use

Large data storage capacity in built-in computer

Robust control unit for connection to computer/network and power

Internal system for long autonomous operation : particle filter, activated carbon, biocide and calibration beads dosing