The Aquatic Ecology Dry Lab

The dry lab is a multi-purpose area that is arguably the data-gathering heart of the Aquatic Ecology Lab. Several areas within the dry lab are designated for special uses. The sample-counting area supports five computer stations connected to the AEL network and associated printers. Four computers are outfitted with digitizing tablets, stereoscope dissecting microscopes, and Sigma Scan software. Image Pro Plus v5.1 image analysis software is installed on the fifth computer (to 200x magnification). Nine dissecting microscopes, two Nikon binocular scopes, and supplemental light sources complete our suite of microscopes.

Grinding walleye samples for bomb calorimetry
in AEL Dry Lab.

Crystal Williams weighing samples
on a microbalance.

Jen Cudney using the automated bomb
calorimeter in AEL Dry Lab.

The “bomb room” provides support to ongoing bioenergetic research with space not only for "bombing" but also sample processing, and sample storage. The AEL owns a Parr 6300 automated bomb calorimeter (with a capability of analyzing 6 samples per hour). Because we often require whole-fish caloric estimates, we have several pieces of cutting equipment, including two Struers Minitom saws, a Retsch ZM 100 dry material grinder, a Hobart industrial meat grinder, and a portable Cabela’s wet grinder.

The lab has a supply of rain gear, waders,
boots, and SCUBA equipment available.
When returned from the field, boots are dried
with a forced-air system here in the boot room.

The AEL has two certified chemical hoods and one Class 100 certified (LCS, Inc) laminar flow hood. Other laboratory equipment includes three Fisher Scientific Isotemp drying ovens, two Mettler AE 163 (0.0001g), two Mettler SM-F (0.1g) balances, a Cahn C-33 microbalance, two muffle furnaces, and six large dessicators. Loads of sample storage exists in the AEL: 1) three chest freezers (-20ºC), 2) a walk-in refrigerator, 3) a walk-in freezer (-40ºC), and 4) a Jouan VXS 600 deep freeze unit (-85ºC). As suggested by the amount of freezer space, we have moved away from chemical preservation to storage by freezing. Also available for our use are a vacuum filtration apparatus for chlorophyll and sediment analysis.