Project to purchase and set up a flow cytometer for use on Coastal survey vessel

Procurement of Flow cytometer for single cell analysis of the full particle size spectrum.

The Environment Agency collects estuarine and coastal water samples for phytoplankton analysis as part of its water quality programme for determining the impacts of nutrient enrichment (Eutrophication) and reporting these under Urban Waste Water Treatment (UWWTD), Nitrate (ND) and Water Framework (WFD) directives. We also collect phytoplankton data as part of our biodiversity remit to indicate health of food webs (eg under Marine Strategy Framework Directive) and potential impacts of toxic species to human health (eg Bathing Waters and Shellfish directives).

Moreover the laboratory analysis can't identify certain groups of organisms which are key to the functioning of our nearshore waters with respect to climate change and eutrophication (nutrient enrichment). The flow cytometer allows us to detect these groups. This is particularly important as we a currently seeing signs of changes to marine ecosystems due to climate and eutrophication.

This cytometer technology allows us to directly understand and manage the quality of our pelagic (water column) habitats. Phytolpankton are critical in their contribution to the marine food webs upon which zooplankton feed and fish rely on the wider plankton community as prey. They also provide take in carbon and release oxygen into the atmosphere and oceans. They reflect the levels of nutrients in the environment and the changes in climate. Animals that rely on them to survive include the full range of commercial, ecological important and UK biodiversity species across our estuaries and coasts.

The Flow cytometer will be portable and will be used flexibly across a range of EA (and potential DEFRA partner) vessels. The Environment Agency is also working collaboratively with Cefas and Natural England to provide evidence via baseline surveys to help inform the management of Marine Coastal Zones (MCZ).