Genomic sensors

Sensors: Underwater Research of the Future (SURF Center)

A second generation ESP is deployed off the Santa Cruz pier. Photo © MBARI

The Environmental Sample Processor (ESP) pumps water through a filter and retains all particles/organisms larger than 0.2 micrometers. Using molecular biology techniques on the filtered material, the ESP can:

Identify the type and quantity of microorganisms and animals present in the water,
Monitor the appearance of toxins and other biological compounds, and
Investigate how marine microbes respond to seasonal variation and a changing climate

Data from these tests can be sent to shore in near real-time, allowing scientists and policy makers to make rapid decisions related to beach safety or shellfish harvesting. Additionally, the persistent presence of the ESP allows for the capture of episodic or very short-lived events.

Field experiments

An update on ESP field deployments.

Harmful algal blooms (HABs)

The ESP was originally developed for detection of harmful algae blooms (HABs); both the harmful algae and their toxins can be used as targets of the ESP.

Water quality

The ESP has proven to be a valuable tool for monitoring human threats to water quality.

ESP Web Portal

The Environmental Sample Processor web portal provides near-real time access to the results of molecular assays conducted at sea as well as data on the environmental conditions during sampling.