Autonomous, Near Real-time Detection of Marine Microorganisms using the Environmental Sample Processor (ESP)
Abstract
Marine microbes play an essential role in mediating many oceanic biogeochemical cycles. Identification of those microbes as well as genes and gene products driving such processes, typically require the return of discrete samples to a laboratory. However, the development and deployment of new classes of ocean observatories create unique opportunities for fielding novel instruments that eliminate or greatly reduce the need for returning samples to shore for such analyses. In a step towards realizing this goal, we are exploring use of the Environmental Sample Processor (ESP), a novel instrument that employs a molecular based assay to detect water borne microorganisms remotely, subsurface, in near real-time. The current ESP prototype automates application of custom DNA probe arrays to reveal the presence of ecologically relevant microbes and transmits results of those assays to shore via radio modem. The ESP also archives discrete samples in support of variety of laboratory-based analyses. Here we discuss the feasibility of using this device to detect selected microbes and key gene products playing a role oceanic biogeochemical cycles, and consider the applicability of this instrument to studies of environments ranging from surface waters to deep-sea seeps and hydrothermal vents.
- Publication:
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AGU Spring Meeting Abstracts
- Pub Date:
- May 2005
- Bibcode:
- 2005AGUSM.U23B..04P
- Keywords:
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- 4803 Bacteria;
- 4805 Biogeochemical cycles (1615);
- 4840 Microbiology;
- 4894 Instruments and techniques