Detection of Benthic Phytoplankton with a Laser Fluorometer

This project will test the viability of using a small laser-based fluorometer to spatially quantify benthic phytoplankton. This will be done by creating a prototype fluorometer and measuring benthic algae samples in a lab setting. If successful, this fluorometer will be deployed in the future on a small AUV, allowing for the comprehensive mapping of benthic phytoplankton in aquatic ecosystems. In Alaska, such a system would be useful for monitoring algae-related aspects of climate change, such as changes in phytoplankton distribution, or it could be used to predict filamentous algae blooms (FABs) in the state, which can have a devastating effect on an ecosystem’s water quality. By testing technology that will improve our understanding of the spatial extent of primary production in lakes and rivers, this project aims to fulfil objective E1-a and E1-c of the 2018 National Academies of Science, Engineering and Medicine (NASEM) decadal strategy, which pertain to quantifying both aquatic vegetation and aquatic primary production and guide NASA Earth Science missions.