Laboratory and Field Data for a Performance Evaluation of the PhytoFind, an In-Place Phytoplankton Classification Tool

This data release presents the laboratory and field results of a performance evaluation conducted on the Turner Designs, Inc., PhytoFind, an in-place phytoplankton classification tool. The laboratory evaluation included tests that were designed to characterize PhytoFind performance under a range of conditions that may affect phytoplankton fluorescence and sensor response. Laboratory tests included a range of phytoplankton types, morphologies, and biomass; water temperatures; and matrix challenges. Laboratory evaluations on the PhytoFind were performed at U.S. Geological Survey offices in Orlando, Florida and Troy, New York on various dates from July to November 2019. Data from a moving-boat survey was designed to assess the effect of dissolved organic matter (DOM) on instrument function and the efficacy of the integrated DOM compensation feature. The PhytoFind was exposed to both freshwater and estuarine environments during the moving-boat survey, which was conducted from July 15 - 19, 2019 in south Florida along the Okeechobee Waterway. Laboratory data included in this data release: PhytoFind measurements, other ancillary sensor measurements, laboratory-extract chlorophyll-a concentrations, phytoplankton enumeration and classification data, and other ancillary laboratory data for each experiment. Moving-boat survey data included in this data release: PhytoFind measurements and other ancillary information.