Sea level rise, floods, ocean darkening, pollution (e.g. human waste and microplastics) and increased surface temperatures are the main threats to the health state of the ocean, particularly for coastal and fjord systems. These environmental changes can impact phytoplankton biodiversity. 

In this project, researcher Glaucia Fragoso used multiple observational platforms and innovative techniques to assess phytoplankton biodiversity. She will use state-of-art technologies (molecular, imaging and optical approaches) to identify and quantify phytoplankton groups. She collected samples for analyses using USV Pamela equipped with a water sampler, and automated-flow-cytometry (Cytosub) for identifying phytoplankton groups.

This allows for a holistic understanding of the impact of environmental factors on phytoplankton biodiversity in Trondheimsfjord.

"I really liked to use the Pamela with Artur and Andrea. We used it for some trials to collect water samples from Trondheimsfjord, and the robot worked very nicely! The robot is versatile, innovative and customizable for many different tasks. Andrea and Artur were very nice and professional and listened to my needs in terms of what I wanted from them. They are very competent, willing to explore new challenges and reliable. I recommend the use of Pamela." - Glaucia Fragoso, PhD

F & Z Solutions is delivering eDNA samplers to EU project PINKTrack. PINKTrack focuses on detection of pink salmon in European waterways, an invasive species which threatens wild Atlantic salmon.

The pump is a configurable, handheld pump which makes filtering water more convenient, ergonomic and flexible. By integrating the pump on USV Pamela, eDNA samples with high spatial resolution can be collected for more representative data. 

In addition to handheld pumps, the Norwegian Institute for Nature Research (NINA) will use a pump integrated on USV Pamela to sample eDNA in lakes and reservoirs. Using USV Pamela, samples can be taken from a larger area, giving a more representative sample.