FastOcean plus FastAct for Estimation of Gross Primary Productivity (GPP)
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The FastOcean plus FastAct is used for the real time estimation of gross primary productivity using rapid light curve data from static samples. It is the tool of choice for monitoring variable chlorophyll fluorescence in photosynthetic organisms.
The combination of FastOcean FRR fluorometer and FastAct laboratory system, controlled through the FastPro8 GUI, provides an extremely flexible system for running FLCs and other laboratory-based experiments, using as little as 1 ml of sample or as a flow through system.
It can be used in the laboratory or on the deck of a ship, taking measurements from discrete samples or open water.
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- Applications & Features
Applications - Estimation of gross primary productivity (GPP): Using rapid light curve (RLC ) data from static samples
- Real time toxicant detection: Using flow through configuration and proven data analysis methods
- Phytoplankton cultures: Flow through configuration for the monitoring of growth rates in real time
Key Features
- White actinic light from custom filtered LEDs
- Full automation of FLCs with up to 36 PAR steps with independent control of the number of acquisitions (reps) at each step
- Programmable, automated sample exchange between FLCs make the system suitable for FerryBox applications and other unsupervised deployments
- A short injection of air (< 1 s) between acquisitions inhibits the settling of cells and maintains the level of dissolved CO2
- Protocols with increasing and decreasing PAR levels are possible, to check for hysteresis
- Real time data analysis and presentation, including the fitting of rPE curves
- Simple export of FLC data to other applications for additional analysis
- Water jacket for the control of sample temperature Automatic recalculation of all relevant parameters after the subtraction of sample blanks and other user-modifiable parameters
- Relative PE Curve Analysis
Relative PE Curve Analysis The photosynthesis – photon irradiance (PE) response curve is widely used to characterise photoacclimation through changes in light-harvesting pigment composition. Within this context, the P in PE is generally taken to represent mass-specific photosynthesis normalised to Chl a with units of g C (g Chl a)-1 h‑1, for example, while the E represents photon irradiance between 400 and 700 nm (PAR), with units of µmol photons m-2 s‑1.
As an alternative to the standard PE curve approach, chlorophyll fluorometer-based systems are increasingly being used to run so-called rapid light curves (RLCs) or fluorescence light curve (FLCs). These curves can provide relative values of photosynthesis, calculated as PAR x Fq'/Fm' (where Fq'/Fm' provides an estimate of the photon yield of PSII photochemistry, fPSII).
Within FastPro8, plots of relative photosynthesis (rP) against PAR can be generated in real time from the FLC data generated by the combination of FastOcean and FastAct. The integral curve fitting process used to analyse rPE data generates values for the widely used parameters, a (initial slope), PM (maximum value of P along the curve) and EK (the inflection point, calculated as PM /a).
The values from the rPE fitting process, plus a number of fluorescence parameters derived from analysis of the underlying FRR data, can be shown within the same plot. In the example below, the rPE data are shown with one of the three curve fit options. Details of the curve fitting process are provided within the FastPro8 handbook, which can be found on our downloads page (go to FastPro8 GUI). This includes the FastPro8 GUI (with sample files). The FastPro8 handbook includes a detailed description of all of our FRR-based sensors and systems.
A number of options for data export in a number of different formats are also provided, to allow for secondary analysis. These formats are directly compatible with Excel and MATLAB, for example, and can also be saved as tab-delimited text data. - Specifications
FastOcean and FastAct USB connection to PC: The FastAct and FastOcean or FastTracka II are connected through a single USB cable between the FastAct base and PC Power supply: The FastOcean or FastTracka II is powered from the FastAct base, which is powered from a 24 V power brick External dimensions: L 275 x W 230 x H 518.8 mm FastAct Actinic illumination: Three filtered 'white' LEDs provide even DC illumination up to 1200 µmol photons m-2 s-1 in 128 steps Two peristaltic pumps: One pump is used for the water jacket, the other for sample mixing and sample exchange between experiments Operating temperature: -10 to 50°C External dimensions (base): L 275 x W 230 x H 126 mm (H 180 mm with head attached for stowage) External dimensions (head): Ø112.5 x H 114 mm Materials: Acetal with A4 stainless steel fixings Mass: 8.2 kg (Approx) External connectors: 6-pin female Impulse connector providing 24 V DC and RS422 connectivity to FastOcean or FastTracka II sensor
Buccaneer mini connectors for USB, power in and power connection between base and head- Downloads
FastAct in the Press:
Sophie Richier, Anna I. Macey, Nicola J. Pratt, David J. Honey, C. Mark Moore, Thomas S. Bibby, Ocean and Earth Science, National Oceanography Centre. Abundances of Iron-Binding Photosynthetic and Nitrogen-Fixing Proteins of Trichodesmium Both in Culture and In Situ from the North Atlantic. Plus One - 2012. Link to article. Download pdf.Oxborough, K. Moore, C.M., Suggett, D.J., Lawson, T., Chan, H.G. and Geider, R.G. Direct estimation of functional PSII reaction centre concentration and PSII electron flux on a volume basis: a new approach to the analysis of Fast Repetition Rate fluorometry (FRRf) data. Liminology & Oceanography: Methods – 2012, 10:142-154. Link to article. Download pdf.