Problem: Understand/predict the dynamics of aquatic microbial populations.

Aquatic Application: Goals and Approaches

Approaches:

Wireless, networked sensing of chemical, physical and biological parameters in natural aquatic ecosystems.

Fine- to small-scale mapping of biological features, spatially, laterally, vertically and temporally.

Network-controlled profiling and sampling using a mobile robot directed by network and/or human interface.

Development and application of novel methods of detecting and quantifying microbial species.

Sensor-actuated sensing and sampling

Spatial patterns of chlorophyll (algal biomass) & physical parameters

Stationary sensor nodes

Projected benefits:

Hypothesis development and testing of factors controlling the success of failure of specific microbial taxa of interest.

NAMOS: Networks for Aquatic Microbial Observing & SamplingPlankton Dynamics in Lake Fulmor, James Reserve

Static nodes

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Nighttime Fluorescence

Maximum

Daytime Minimum

High-resolution, temporal measurements indicate rapid, unexpected fluctuations in phytoplankton biomass (right) over a 3-day period. These patterns appear to result from massive diel vertical migration

Development of a multi-node (up to 9 nodes) sensor network in Lake Fulmor, James Reserve to examine small-scale spatial patterns and very fine-scale temporal patterns of biologically pertinent parameters (chlorophyll fluorescence, upper right and bottom right; temperature, middle right).

of dominant cyanobacteria (pictures, far right). These measurements have enabled the development of hypotheses on the environmental factors controlling the abundance of these species, some of which have demonstrated toxin (microcystin) production.

Extend in-situ sensor networks to other freshwater and estuarine ecosystems for the study of HABs.

Aquatic Application: Future Plans

•New robotic boat for larger-scale measurements and vertical profiling.

•Multi-scale analysis of small-scale heterogeneity within spatial patterns of plankton assemblages.

‘Systems level’ studies of biogeochemical cycles, and observational/experimental studies of plankton dynamics. -temporal scales (seconds to seasonal) -spatial scales from (<1 cm to 100s m). -network-acquired environmental context complemented with pertinent biological measurements and experimental studies.

Joint NIMS-NAMOS observational studies. Comparative studies in Lake Fulmor, James Reserve, with subsequent application in other ecosystems. These experiments will enable cross-system comparisons and highly unique combinations of sensor suites for characterizing natural aquatic ecosystems.