Mesocosm and Laboratory Facilities
Mesocosm facilities enable scientists to conduct research in a controlled aquatic environment which closely simulates natural conditions.
The environment can then be modified to investigate how organisms or communities may react to potential future conditions, such as elevated temperatures, ocean acidification or hypoxia. Using this approach, scientists can take certain factors from ‘the real world’ into account with their experimental design and results, whilst maintaining the ability to manipulate a range of environmental factors, such as salinity, pH, temperature and oxygen levels.
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Marine Biological Association
The Marine Biological Research Aquarium supports the work of both our researchers and external users to enhance our understanding of ocean biology, coastal ecology and microbiology. The Aquarium covers an impressive area of 492m2 . Seawater is pumped directly from Plymouth Sound to two reservoirs (one 332,000L and one 145,000L) providing seawater to all tanks within the research aquarium facility.
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Plymouth Marine Laboratory
For three decades the Mesocosm at PML has been supporting research at the cutting edge of marine science. This uniquely flexible and ever-evolving facility allows scientists to replicate ocean conditions across a wide range of parameters, using state-of-the-art technology, informed by (and informing) advanced marine data.
The Mesocosm has played a vital role in several key areas of research including ocean acidification. Most recently, it has hosted artificial light experiments for the ALICE (Artificial Light in Coastal Ecosystems) project it has undertaken with the University of Plymouth.
Mesocosm technical specifications:
16 1m3 tanks
Eight 750 litre header tanks
Temperature controlled environment (5-20°C)
Controlled light conditions
Gas control systems for CO2 and oxygen -
University of Plymouth
University of Plymouth researchers and technical team have a wide range of expertise to fulfill a multitude of research areas, including hypoxia, ocean acidification, light pollution, and ecotoxicology. Using temperature-controlled laboratories and flexible space, question-driven mesocosm systems have been developed. In addition our Marine Station houses semi-flow-through systems to create an environment that mimics marine ecosystems around coastal areas.
Specialist equipment includes:
• Fibrox and microx presens units
• Grant recirculation water baths
• Corning TCO2 analyzers
• Wescor osmometer
• Wostoff gas mixing pump
• Hach total alkalinity titrator
• LICOR units
• Coulter counter
• Plate readers