1.Analyzing in Laboratory Conditions
Filtered water samples from sampling points can be analyzed in more than one way to determine the microorganisms present in them. The most common and classic of these is to count the samples taken under laboratory conditions with the help of a microscope. For plankton equal to or greater than 50 micrometers (50 μm ≤ ), a binocular microscope is generally used. For this process, counting beds called Bogorov Chamber are preferred. Thanks to these counting beds, the counting process is carried out by taking advantage of the mobility of large organisms.
For organisms equal to or greater than 10 micrometers and smaller than 50 micrometers (10 μm ≤ – <50 μm), the motility method is generally not used. The organisms found in this size range are generally the plant group plankton, which is more commonly called phytoplankton. Because these organisms are mostly immobile, fluorescent stain is used to identify living cells. This dye stains the cell membrane and provides the visibility of living organisms. FDA (Fluorescent diacetate) is generally used for this method.
After the living organisms are stained with the FDA, their counting is carried out with an epifluorescence microscope.
Bogorov Chamber (Golasch, 2006)
Epifluorescence Microscope (Filters for Fluorescence Microscopy, 25 October 2022 )
A lot of time is needed for these methods. Samples should be counted within 6 hours at the latest after they are taken and the results should be given. In addition to spending a lot of time due to this method, it is necessary to have a trained staff.
Epifloresan Mikroskobu (Microscope (Filters for Fluorescence Microscopy, 25 October 2022)
2.Analyzing with BallastWise
This device, which is a new technology, counts thtough to its two high-resolution cameras. There are different chambers for two different groups of organisms in the device. Violet and white lights are sent for organisms equal to or greater than 10 micrometers and smaller than 50 micrometers (10 μm ≤ – <50 μm) is absorbed in the cell membrane and their viability is demonstrated by the camera. In contrast to the high waiting times required in the classical method, this method has an average waiting time of 20-25 minutes for each group of organisms. Thanks to the artificial intelligence in the device, analyzes of two different groups of organisms can be performed at the same time. Although this process increases the process by 50%, it is still far below the classical method. With the help of pumps in the device directly connected to the computer, samples are drawn from the sample bottles to the analysis chambers. The BallastWise device, which is an autonomous system, allows the results to be transmitted as soon as possible thtough to its practical and fast operation.
BallastWise
When BWTS evaluations are made, microorganisms of different sizes are examined in the water in the system. These are generally phytoplankton greater than 10 μm and less than <50 μm, or equal to or greater than 50≤ μm.
AEM Laboratory; With its expert staff, technical facilities and quality service, it is an accredited organization from TURKAK (Turkish Accreditation Agency), which has international validity in ballast water analysis. It serves throughout Turkey and World. Thanks to the infrastructure in our laboratory, we get faster and more accurate results. With our latest and fastest instruments, we save you from long waiting times when taking samples and performing analysis.
The analyzes we make with our internationally recognized BallastWise device offer both faster and more technological solutions. BallastWise allows for quick analysis when taking samples on board. Unlike other companies, we shorten the analysis times that take 7-8 hours and provide half or even less waiting time.
References
Gollasch, S. (2006). A new ballast water sampling device for sampling organisms above 50 micron. Aquatic Invasions, 1(1), 46-50.
Filters for Fluorescence Microscopy, https://www.nikon.com/products/industrial-metrology/explore/microscope-abc/learn-more-microscope/filters/ 25 October 2022
