In-Situ Classification of Bloom-Forming Phytoplankton by Imaging Multivariate Optical Computing (IMOC)

研究人员建议开发一个简单的系统，用于真实的实时现场识别和检测三种主要的浮游植物水华。该系统将基于使用称为成像多元光学计算（IMOC）的新方法同时分析它们的大小及其荧光激发光谱特性。这种方法将产生一种光学“条形码”，以区分浮游植物类群。IMOC的工作原理是通过一个专为光谱分析而设计的滤光片进行成像，用于浮游植物识别等特定应用。它要求研究人员开发一个数据库的浮游植物荧光激发光谱在不同的生长条件下，并采用典型判别分析，以确定一个或多个判别函数，以确定浮游植物类群。PI将使用IMOC将联合收割机即时光谱分析与条纹相机型显微成像系统相结合，以提供实时或近实时分类。该方法是理想的现场部署仪器，使其成为一个理想的除了海洋观测平台。更广泛的影响海洋浮游植物的识别是生物海洋学的一个关键领域。这项研究的成功实施可以大大减少海洋浮游植物识别方面的模糊性，这可以很容易地从浮标和其他远程平台自动化使用。一个教育推广计划将通过现有的计划（“涨潮”）进行，该计划将高中教师和本科实习生联系在一起，参加夏季研究项目。来自南卡罗来纳州HBCU机构的实习生将成为这一经验的目标。商业发展/私营部门与学术界的伙伴关系很可能是项目成功的结果。

The PIs propose to develop a simple system for the in situ identification and detection of three major phytoplankton bloom species in real time. The system will be based on simultaneous analysis of their size and their fluorescence excitation spectral characteristics using a new method called imaging multivariate optical computing (IMOC). This method will produce an optical "bar code" to discriminate between phytoplankton taxa. IMOC works by imaging through an optical filter uniquely designed for spectral analysis for a specific application such as phytoplankton discrimination. It requires that the investigators develop a database of phytoplankton fluorescence excitation spectra under varying growth conditions and employ canonical discriminant analysis to identify one or more discriminant functions to identify phytoplankton taxa. The PIs will use IMOC to combine instant spectroscopic analysis with a streak-camera-type microscopic imaging system to provide real-time or near-real-time classification. The method is ideal for field deployable instrumentation, making it an ideal addition to ocean observing platforms.Broader ImpactsIdentification of marine phytoplankton is a critical area in biological oceanography. Successful implementation of this research could go far towards lowering the ambiguities in the identification of marine phytoplankton, which could easily be automated for use from buoys and other remote platforms. An educational outreach program will be pursued through an existing program ("Rising Tide") that links high school teachers and undergraduate interns in summer research projects. Interns from South Carolina HBCU institutions would be targeted for this experience. Commercial development/private sector partnerships with academia would likely result from a successful project.