Aquaticus LLC maintains a light microscopy laboratory offering several services utilizing both compound and stereo-microscopes and microscope imaging.
- Early detection of zebra and quagga mussel larvae
in plankton samples using cross-polarized microscopy, - Enumeration and mortality to assess control efforts,
- Specimen identification including other mollusks and aquatic plants (Figures 1 and 2).
Aquaticus scientists have over thirteen years experience with light microscopy focused on detection, identification, and enumeration of aquatic invasive species. Aquaticus LLC is considered an expert working with cross-polarized light microscopy analyzing plankton samples for invasive bivalve larvae, e.g., Dreissena polymorpha veligers (Figure 3). We have co-authored standardized protocols used throughout the United States, and are involved in scientific research aimed at advancing the laboratory tools used to detect, identify and enumerate invasive aquatic plants and animals.
