 |
Gorbunov MY, Shirsin E, Nikonova E, Fadeev VV, Falkowski PG
A multi-spectral fluorescence induction and relaxation (FIRe) technique for physiological and taxonomic analysis of phytoplankton communities
Unlike terrestrial plants, phytoplankton are extraordinarily diverse, comprising thirteen phylogenetic groups, with diatoms, dinoflagellates, and haptophytes being among the most prominent eukaryotes in the modern ocean. Development of sensor technologies for rapid taxonomic and physiological analysis of phytoplankton communities is crucial for ecological monitoring programs in the global ocean. A novel, ultra-sensitive, multi-spectral Fluorescence Induction and Relaxation technique offers analytical capabilities for rapid determination of phytoplankton taxonomic groups, together with physiological characteristics and photosynthetic rates in the ocean.