The Hydrothermal Vent Biosampler (HVB) Developed to Collect `Pristine' Samples (<6.5km depth, 400C, 0.2u pore) for Microbial Analyses. It's use in Eyjafjordur Fjord, Iceland & Myojin Knoll & Planned deployment on the Myojin Knoll & Suiyo Seamount.

Marine hydrothermal systems and the unique biota associated with them represent some of the most interesting ecosystems on the planet. These `extreme' environments are often composed of vents spewing super-heated fluid containing a variety of minerals and reduced compounds, numerous of which can be used as substrates for growth by microorganisms. To accurately describe the diversity and distribution of these chemosynthetic communities, it is essential to collect samples from defined locations associated with a given hydrothermal vent without contamination from the surrounding water column (e.g. the collected samples are `pristine'). Additionally, samples need to be collected in sufficient volume to a) account for the potential low biomass of these environments and b) provide modern molecular techniques with adequate sample material. The hydrothermal vent biosampler (HVB) was developed to collect `pristine' hydrothermal vent samples for microbial analyses. Utilizing an array of sensors (temperature monitors and flow meters), the system can relay real time data regarding sampling conditions allowing accurate placement of the HVB's collection nozzle and ensuring samples are collected from defined locations. The unit has been designed to withstand extreme conditions (source water temperatures >400°C) and has been pressure tested to a simulated depth of 6.5km and undergone field trials along the Eyjafjordur Fjord hydrothermal system (Iceland). Collection of sufficient biomass is achieved through employment of a series of filters (90, 60, 7 and 0.2 ìm pore sizes) that concentrate ~20L of hydrothermal fluid to a final volume of 500-ml. Filtered samples can be directly collected from the HVB for subsequent biological analyses (both culture- and molecular-based). In conjunction with JAMSTEC, further field exercises along the Myojin Knoll and Suiyo Seamount have been planned for November 2006.