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Abstract
Hyperspectral backscattering of phytoplankton has not been well documented due to lack of suitable sensors. For this study, the Phyto-Plankton Light Scattering (PPLS) prototype was used to capture hyperspectral backscattering measurements of six dinoflagellate monocultures including harmful algal bloom species. Measurements were taken at varying times of day, cell concentrations, and growth phases. Clustering analyses were applied to the resulting spectra to evaluate their use in distinguishing dinoflagellate species. Spectra from the PPLS were also compared to the Hyper-bb, a commercial hyperspectral backscattering instrument, to assess the prototype’s performance. Results indicate that spectral shape does not change over the course of a day or with cell concentration, but it can change with the growth phase of the culture. Cluster analyses were not successful in separating spectra of dinoflagellate species. Comparisons with the Hyper-bb suggest that the PPLS has higher sensitivity and provides higher resolution spectra.