The quest to develop ecogenomic sensors: A 25-year history of the Environmental Sample Processor (ESP) as a case study
Abstract
Roughly 25 years ago, "ecogenomic sensors" were conceived of as autonomous devices that would be used to apply molecular biological analytical techniques below the sea surface as one part of a futuristic ocean observing system. The Environmental Sample Processor (ESP) was built with that idea in mind - an instrument that would help to define both the technological and operational elements that the ecogenomic sensor concept implied. Over time the ESP emerged as a working example of that class of instrument, enabling the application of DNA and antibody-based probe arrays as well as quantitative PCR to remotely assess the presence and abundance of a wide range of organisms, specific genes, and metabolites. The ESP is also routinely used to preserve samples for a variety of laboratory tests not yet possible to apply in situ (e.g, DNA sequencing). Over the years, the instrument has been deployed on a variety of platforms including coastal moorings, piers, an open ocean drifter, research vessels, a shallow water benthic lander, and a 4000m-rated system compliant with use on deep-sea cable observatories. However, the version of ESP used for all of those applications is large - roughly 0.5m diameter, 1m tall absent a pressure housing - and so not readily suited for integration on autonomous mobile submersible platforms.
A new version of the ESP has recently been devised to reduce its overall size and configured to take advantage of modern molecular analytical devices. The new ESP was specifically built for use aboard the Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute's (MBARI's) 30-cm diameter long-range autonomous underwater vehicle (LRAUV). This new system is currently being used in support of open ocean marine microbiological investigations, as well as harmful algal bloom and environmental DNA (eDNA) studies in both marine and freshwater settings. This presentation highlights the evolution of the ESP from its conception to present-day status and will feature ongoing work to remotely coordinate sampling activities of multiple, ESP-equipped LRAUVs over week-long deployments for eDNA studies.- Publication:
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AGU Fall Meeting Abstracts
- Pub Date:
- December 2019
- Bibcode:
- 2019AGUFMOS41A..04S
- Keywords:
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- 6620 Science policy;
- POLICY SCIENCES & PUBLIC ISSUES