The FlowCAM (Fluid imaging Inc.) is an in-situ imaging instrument to measure/count and classify particles and organisms between 20 and 200µm found in the liquid environment. This instrument is well adapted for the study of leaving or fixed nano- and micro-plankton.
Protocol « Analysis with no taxonomic classification » (#1) includes:
- Samples reception and feedback (when the analysis is perform by an expert from the platform),
- Project preparation and maintenance,
- Analysis of samples with the instrument (FlowCAM; analysis + process + extraction of images + sample reconditioning. ZooScan: analysis + process + separation of objects on the image + extraction of images + sample reconditioning),
- Storage of images on ECOTAXA,
- Initial training with the instrument (when the analysis is performed by a visiting scientist hosted by the platform).
Protocol « Analysis with taxonomic classification < 20 taxa » (#2) includes:
- Protocol #1,
- Full training with the instrument and the ECOTAXA software (when the analysis is performed by a visiting scientist hosted by the platform),
- A training to the plankton taxonomy based on images collected with the platform (optional depending on the level of expertise of the user),
- Validation of images for 20 taxonomic groups with ECOTAXA (defined list with the user).
Protocol « Analysis with taxonomic classification > 20 taxa » includes:
- Protocol #2,
- Validation of images for more than 20 taxonomic groups with ECOTAXA (defined list with the user).
