FlowCam Cyano
FlowCam® Cyano provides an innovative solution for freshwater research and monitoring of drinking water reservoirs and recreational water bodies. A high-throughput, automated alternative to manual microscopy, FlowCam Cyano automatically differentiates between fluorescence-emitting Cyanobacteria and other algae while enabling the early detection of harmful algal blooms.
FlowCam Cyano
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Classification needs work, total counts okay
Freshwater Algae Counting
Overall, the Flowcam Cyano performs satisfactorily for total algae counts. It effectively quantifies the overall algal population in samples. However, the instrument's classification function requires significant improvement. During our use, we've identified deficiencies in its ability to accurately categorize different algal groups. For instance, some diatoms are erroneously classified as cyanobacteria, while certain filamentous cyanobacteria (such as nitrogen-fixing cyanobacteria) are incorrectly assigned to the diatom category. We attempted to recalibrate the classification regions using standard cyanobacteria and green algae, but this did not resolve the issue. The data points for many cyanobacteria, diatoms, green algae, and other eukaryotic algae still overlap significantly on the scatter plots, making complete separation impossible. This means that to achieve more accurate classification, the current workflow necessitates subsequent manual re-classification and counting via the classification window. For laboratories processing a high volume of samples, this manual classification process is extremely time-consuming and inefficient. We hope that future versions of the Flowcam Cyano will significantly enhance the accuracy and reliability of its automated classification capabilities.
Review Date: 4 Jun 2025 | Yokogawa Fluid Imaging Technologies, Inc
FlowCam Cyano
Water Utility
We recently purchased a FlowCam Cyano for an alternative to traditional microscopy algal counts and the unit will pay for itself in no time in time savings. It is extremely easy to use, and the customer service is phenomenal!
Review Date: 4 Jun 2025 | Yokogawa Fluid Imaging Technologies, Inc
FlowCam Cyano supports rapid HAB-screening in source water samples, while creating valuable image records.
Algae monitoring / HAB screening
The FlowCam Cyano is a excellent instrument for evaluating organisms present in source water, especially for Harmful Algal Bloom screening and monitoring algal community dynamics. FlowCam's use of FIM technology to create a digital record of every sample (each particle imaged) makes training algae ID a breeze, allows counts to be verified long after a sample aliquot has come and gone, and provides quality images for presentations and other educational outreach. After developing organism libraries and filters, the classification functions within Visual Spreadsheet can be a little clunky to get the hang of. I've had success using several classification templates in conjunction, each representing a major algal Class (e.g. Bacillariophyceae, Cyanophyceae) and with filters to sort out each Genus contained, along with detritus + debris, and remaining Classes of organisms. Occasionally, our lab's instrument has issues with the Trigger Mode function, seemingly caused by a faulty laser control board. FlowCam's customer support helped us identify the issue and find a way to keep this tool operational. Overall, I am satisfied with the FlowCam Cyano, despite some quirks.
Review Date: 4 Jun 2025 | Yokogawa Fluid Imaging Technologies, Inc
Has improved our algae ID program tremendously
Algae identification
There is no easier way (once libraries have been set up) to ID algae.
Review Date: 3 Feb 2022 | Yokogawa Fluid Imaging Technologies, Inc
FlowCam® Cyano offers a cutting-edge solution for freshwater research and monitoring of drinking water reservoirs and recreational water bodies. As a high-throughput, automated alternative to manual microscopy, FlowCam Cyano differentiates fluorescence-emitting Cyanobacteria from other algae, making it an essential tool for early detection of harmful algal blooms (HABs).
Utilizing fluorescence-based flow imaging microscopy, FlowCam Cyano employs laser excitation to identify and analyze Cyanobacteria alongside other aquatic particles. Its advanced optical design includes a red laser (633 nm) to detect unique fluorescence emissions, enabling proactive aquatic research and water treatment strategies.
Key Benefits
- Identify and quantify Cyanobacteria in both freshwater and marine environments with high-sensitivity fluorescence detection.
- Measure algae cell counts, concentrations, and biovolumes accurately.
- Reduce costs and improve efficiency in drinking water testing while minimizing customer complaints.
- Automate organism identification by building customizable libraries with VisualSpreadsheet software.
Specifications
- Particle size range: 2 µm to 1 mm; Magnification options: 20X, 10X, 4X, and 2X.
- Camera: High-resolution color imaging.
- Fluorescence detection: Two channels to distinguish Cyanobacteria from other algae using 633 nm laser excitation.
- Chlorophyll detection (Ch1: 700 nm ± 10 nm).
- Phycocyanin detection (Ch2: 650 nm ± 10 nm).
- Minimum sample volume: 100 µL.
- Sample flow rate: 0.05 mL/min to 10 mL/min, depending on flow cell configuration.
- Ease of use: Fully integrated VisualSpreadsheet software for intuitive data analysis.
