ORV Alguita

The ORV Alguita is capable of performing an array of marine oriented scientific experiments.

ON-BOARD LAB EXPANDS ORV ALGUITA'S RESEARCH CAPACITY

AMRF has invested in a Colilert system to expand our capacity to participate in much needed coliform and E. Coli monitoring in the coastal zone. The system by IDEXX is the only EPA-approved, 24-hour test for drinking and source waters. The Colilert system utilizes the patented Defined Substrate Technology (DST) that detects and confirms total coliforms and E. coli.

Utilizing a Quanti-Tray Sealer, the Colilert system provides the capacity to isolate over 48 individual cells of the water sample. Each cell contains two nutrient-indicators ONPG and MUG. In comparison to other media, the patented DST does not promote the growth of non-target organisms. This results in a high level of accuracy. The mechanism behind these accurate results is amazingly straight forward. In the presence of coliforms, the coliform enzyme B-galactosidase will metabolize ONPG. In the presence of E. coli, the E. coli enzyme B-glucuronidase will metabolize MUG. Once the package is sealed in the Quanti-Tray Sealer, it is placed in an incubator. After incubation, the results are easy to ascertain: 1) a clear cell indicates a negative result; 2) a yellow cell indicates total coliforms and 3) a yellow/fluorescent cell indicates E. Coli.

This investment in the Colilert System along with AMRF's incubator and EPA-certified testing kit positions our foundation to independently participate in testing and monitoring water quality across a broad scope of indicators. More importantly, it provides our on-board researchers the capability of collecting water samples and obtaining results on the vessel.