Now dangerous blue-green algae can be treated before it can bloom. The FlowCAM cell and particle imaging and analysis system from water quality instrumentation manufacturer Fluid Imaging Technologies boasts a new patent-pending feature that automatically detects the presence of cyanobacteria in water, takes high-resolution, full-color digital images of each individual cell, differentiates the cells from harmless, nontoxic species of algae and saves the images and measurement data for analysis. The upgraded FlowCAM was introduced at ACE08 in Atlanta, Ga. on June 8, 2008.
Ideal for continuous use monitoring reservoirs, lakes, rivers and other source water and recreational locations in situ, as well as with discrete samples, the enhanced FlowCAM provides images and data in real time to constantly track the growth of cyanobacteria, sound an alert at its presence and permit treatment before it can bloom and release its toxins into the water. In addition to causing a range of adverse health effects, these cyanotoxins also cause troublesome taste, odor and discoloration of the water.
It accurately detects cyanobacteria with the presence of a single cell sampled, whereas bulk fluorometers commonly use require samples with a high concentration upwards of hundreds of cells/ml, which typically indicates a bloom already in progress. The automated FlowCAM also replaces manual, labor-intensive sampling and microscopy with a far faster approach that yields highly accurate data without the risk of human error in identification, counting, measuring and documentation.
Source: Fluid Imaging Technologies
