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Imaging FlowCytoBots (IFCBs)

Quick Summary

The Alaska Ocean Observing System supports two Imaging Flow Cytobots (IFCBs) for use by the Alaska Harmful Algal Bloom Network to monitor for HABs in the state of Alaska. These IFCBs are automated microscopes that take water samples and produce real time images of individual phytoplankton, which can then be used to detect harmful species, such as Alexandrium, Pseudo-nitzschia, and Dinophysis. Data collected by the IFCBs are used for research projects and to alert communities around the state of potential blooms.

Click here to see the cruises on which our two IFCBs will be deployed this summer!

 

How does an IFCB work?

The IFCB is essentially an automated and integrated microscope, camera and computer. It is used to take in-situ samples of water and records every particle in the water, usually in the 5 to 150 μm size range. The water is sucked into the IFCB through an intake tube by a 5 mL glass syringe. The sample is then pushed through a narrow flow cell slowly so that individual particles travel through the flow cell one at a time. A full 5 mL sample takes about 20 minutes to run.

In the flow cell, a laser is used to measure fluorescence and light scattering by particles, which then triggers the camera to take a picture of each particle. The IFCB generates high resolution images (~2.7 pixels/micron) of each particle, which are then stored on the IFCB and uploaded to a cloud-based server for near real-time access by researchers and managers. The IFCB can continuously generate up to 30,000 images per hour.

What does an IFCB need to produce data?

In order to take full advantage of the IFCB’s capabilities, the following are needed:

  • Access to raw seawater (either from a flow-through system, or with bottle samples): the IFCB will sample about 5mL of water, and then run that sample through the flow cell in about 20 minutes.
  • 120V AC power, from a standard power outlet: the IFCB doesn’t have any internal batteries, and needs power to run the pumps, camera, laser, rotor valve and the onboard computer that stores and processes the images.
  • Internet connection: this is not essential, but if connected to the internet, the IFCB can be remotely monitored and controlled, and it will upload its data in real-time for remote monitoring of the phytoplankton. This is especially important for in-season real-time detection of HABs.

Data output

  • Once processed, the sample images are uploaded onto Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute’s (WHOI) dashboard.
  • The images on the dashboard can be reviewed manually for signs of harmful algal cells. In addition, an algorithm has been developed to automatically flag harmful algal cells, and this model will continue to be refined in the future.
  • Below is an example of the IFCB dashboard after the IFCB was deployed on the USCGC Healy in July 2024. The map shows all the locations where the IFCB obtained a sample, and the mosaic of images shows all the particles that were captured by the IFCB. To further explore this dataset, check out the USCGC Healy time series here.
An IFCB being set up on the USCGC Healy in July 2024. Photo by Thomas Farrugia
An IFCB deployed on the USCGC Healy in July 2024. Photo by Thomas Farrugia

Screenshot of the IFCB Dashboard (WHOI) showing the track of the USCGC Healy and one sample with Alexandrium (dark circular cells).

Example of an IFCB sample being collected. You can see the particles flowing through the flow cell and being imaged by the camera. The red box around each particle is the Region of Interest that will be saved to the IFCB computer.

Where to go for more information: