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3A - Biomarker/Biomonitoring (TU8/6) The use of image analysis for improving data quality in aquatic bioassays. Reynolds, William1, Thomas, Kevin1, Thain, John1, 1 CEFAS, Burnham On Crouch, ESSEX ABSTRACT- Many biological water quality bioassays rely on repetitive and time-consuming microscopic observations and measurements. This may lead to a degree of subjectivity and frequently poor statistical robustness. Recent advances in microscope technology and IT software have opened up the potential for image analysis to address these two issues. This study investigated the use of image analysis on bioassays used routinely in the CEFAS, Burnham-on-Crouch laboratory; the oyster (Crassostrea gigas) embryo larval bioassay and macroalgal techniques using germlings of Fucus vesiculosus and Enteromorpha intestinalis. In addition the technology was also used to identify and measure meiofauna. The results from the techniques show that image analysis improves consistency of measurements of size. It also permits additional shape parameters to be measured, provides a high throughput of samples, vastly improves statistical robustness, accuracy and reproducibility. The bioassay techniques and image analysis methods developed and applied are described as well as the results that led to the above conclusions. The potential for the use of image analysis for other biological effect tests is discussed. Key words: bioassay, Image analysis |
