Microorganism separation and recovery device

Abstract

The present invention provides a microorganism separation and collection device capable of easily separating and collecting barnacle larvae from a sample containing a plurality of microorganisms. This microorganism separation and collection device for separating and collecting barnacle larvae from a sample containing a plurality of types of microorganisms comprises: a main body part comprising a light-shielding member and having a space capable of storing a liquid therein; a recovery part which is provided above the main body part and is composed of a translucent member; a flow path connecting the main body part and the recovery part; and an irradiation unit that irradiates the recovery unit with visible light.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a microorganism separation and recovery device. Background Art

[0002] In thermal power plants and nuclear power plants that use seawater as cooling water, marine organisms such as barnacles sometimes attach to the water intake channel that draws seawater from the sea and supplies it to the condenser, and the drainage channel that releases the seawater that has passed through the condenser to the sea. When the number of attached marine organisms increases, the cooling water flow path may be blocked, resulting in failures such as reduced cooling performance. Therefore, in the past, chlorine-based agents were injected into the cooling water to inhibit the attachment of marine organisms.

[0003] However, from the perspective of environmental protection and the cost of adding chemicals, it is not preferable to add excessive amounts of chlorine-based chemicals to cooling water, and it is required to add an appropriate amount of chlorine-based chemicals. For example, if the number of juveniles of attached organisms such as barnacles in seawater can be known, the amount of chlorine-based chemicals added can be appropriately adjusted according to the number.

[0004] In order to count specific types of microorganisms in water, the method used in the past is to collect samples in the sea using a plankton net and count them manually using a microscope or the like. However, the samples contain a variety of phytoplankton and zooplankton, so it is very time-consuming and labor-intensive. As a method for separating specific types of microorganisms from a sample containing a variety of microorganisms, the following method is disclosed, which separates and recovers microorganisms in blocks arranged along the direction of application of the external stimulus by applying a directional external stimulus to the microorganisms contained in a separation container for a specified time (for example, refer to Patent Document 1).

[0005] Prior art literature

[0006] Patent Literature

[0007] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2013-255458. Summary of the invention

[0008] Problem that the invention aims to solve

[0009] The technology disclosed in Patent Document 1 uses, for example, a light source as an external stimulus, but it is unclear what kind of light source can be used to separate the desired specific type of microorganisms. In the case where it is desired to separate specific types of microorganisms simply by using the difference in phototropism to a specified light source, it is also necessary to appropriately adjust the irradiation time. If the irradiation time is too long or too short, separation may not be performed as intended. In addition, no specific method for recovering the separated samples is disclosed.

[0010] The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a microorganism separation and recovery device capable of easily separating and recovering barnacle larvae from a sample containing a plurality of microorganisms.

[0011] Solutions for solving problems

[0012] (1) The present invention relates to a microorganism separation and recovery device for separating and recovering barnacle larvae from a sample containing a plurality of microorganisms, the device comprising: a main body, which is composed of a light-shielding member and has a space inside that can store liquid; a recovery part, which is arranged above the main body and is composed of a light-transmitting member; a flow path, which connects the main body and the recovery part; and an irradiation part, which irradiates visible light toward the recovery part.

[0013] (2) The microorganism separation and recovery device according to (1), wherein the main body has a first opening connected to the flow path and opening upward, the flow path is configured to block light from the outside, and a narrow portion narrower than the inner diameter of the first opening is formed in at least a portion.

[0014] (3) A microorganism separation and recovery device according to (2), wherein the main body has a branch portion, the branch portion branches upward in two directions, the first opening portion is formed in one branch of the branch portion, and the second opening portion is formed in the other branch of the branch portion, and the second opening portion is located at a higher position than the first opening portion.

[0015] (4) The microorganism separation and recovery device according to (3), wherein the first opening is blocked by a first blocking member having a hole through which the flow path can pass, and the second opening is openably and closably blocked by a second blocking member.

[0016] Effects of the Invention

[0017] The present invention can provide a microorganism separation and recovery device capable of easily separating and recovering barnacle larvae from a sample containing a plurality of microorganisms. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] Figure 1 It is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the structure of the microorganism separation and recovery device according to the present embodiment.

[0019] Figure 2 It is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the structure of the main body of the microorganism separation and recovery device according to the present embodiment.

[0020] Figure 3 It is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a state of the microorganism separation and recovery device according to the present embodiment during separation and recovery of microorganisms.

[0021] Figure 4 It is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the structure of a microorganism separation and recovery device according to another embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0022] <<First Implementation Method>>

[0023] <Microorganism separation and recovery device>

[0024] The microorganism separation and recovery device 1 of the present embodiment is a device that can selectively and favorably recover barnacle larvae from a sample containing a plurality of microorganisms collected from a water area such as an ocean.

[0025] Barnacles are a general term for organisms classified into the phylum Arthropoda, class Crustacea, subclass Cirripedia, order Thoracica, including organisms belonging to the order Balanomorpha, such as striped barnacles, ivory barnacles, red giant barnacles, triangular barnacles, thorny giant barnacles, reticulated barnacles, oriental small barnacles, white-ridged barnacles, and densely striped barnacles.

[0026] Barnacles swim in the sea during their larval stage. The initial larvae are called nauplii, and the larvae that grow further are called cyprids. Cyprids are equivalent to attached larvae, which attach to a suitable substrate after swimming and become adults after metamorphosis. Cyprids attach to underwater structures such as seawater intake equipment or seawater drainage equipment of power stations, coastal aquaculture equipment, and fishery equipment, and their subsequent growth may have adverse effects on these facilities. Therefore, by understanding the number of cyprids and nauplii of barnacles inhabiting the sea areas where these facilities are located, necessary countermeasures such as injecting chlorine-based chemicals can be taken.

[0027] According to the research of the present inventors, cyprid larvae and nauplii show strong positive phototaxis to visible light. The microorganism separation and recovery device of this embodiment can easily separate and recover cyprid larvae and nauplii of barnacles by utilizing the strong positive phototaxis of the nauplii.

[0028] like Figure 1 As shown, the microorganism separation and recovery device 1 includes a main body 20 , a recovery unit 30 , a flow path 40 , and an irradiation unit 50 .

[0029] The main body 20 is a hollow member having a space inside which can store liquid (such as a sample containing a variety of microorganisms, such as seawater). Figure 1As shown, the main body 20 has a shape in which the lower part of the internal space is blocked when it is set on the setting surface, and the branch part 23 branches upward in two directions. The first opening part 21 and the second opening part 22 are respectively formed at the branch end of the above-mentioned branch part 23. The first opening part 21 is configured to be blocked by the first blocking member 61 so that it can be opened and closed, and the main body 20 is connected to the recovery part 30 by connecting with the flow path 40. The first blocking member 61 has a hole portion that can be passed through by the flow path 40. The first opening part 21 is preferably openable and closable, or it can be opened and closed. The second opening part 22 is blocked by the second blocking member 62 so that it can be opened and closed. The upper end of the opening of the second opening part 22 is arranged at a position higher than the first opening part 21 and a position higher than the upper end of the flow path 40 in the setting state. The member forming the second opening part 22 can be separately configured from the main body 20, or it can be formed as one body with the main body 20.

[0030] The main body 20 is composed of a light-blocking member that does not transmit light. The light-blocking member is not particularly limited as long as it is a material that does not transmit light, and resins such as vinyl chloride, metals, etc. can be used.

[0031] The recovery part 30 is a roughly cylindrical member disposed above the main body 20, and the bottom surface is connected to the flow path 40 in the setting state. The connection method of the recovery part 30 and the flow path 40 is not particularly limited, and for example, the following method can be cited, wherein the flow path 40 is penetrated to the hole portion formed at the bottom of the recovery part 30, and the surrounding of the hole portion is sealed with a sealing material, so that water cannot enter or exit. The recovery part 30 can be composed of a translucent member, for example, in order to observe the microorganisms inside. As the above-mentioned translucent member, there is no particular limitation, and translucent resins such as acrylic resin, glass, etc. can be cited. The recovery part 30 may not be a translucent member. In the present embodiment, the upper surface of the recovery part 30 is open. On the other hand, a cover that can be opened and closed and is composed of the above-mentioned translucent member can also be provided on the upper surface of the recovery part 30.

[0032] The flow path 40 is a flow path connecting the first opening 21 of the main body 20 and the bottom surface of the recovery part 30. The flow path 40 is, for example, a tubular body composed of a light-shielding member that does not transmit light. The flow path 40 passes through the hole formed in the first blocking member 61. A portion of the flow path 40 extends to the inside of the recovery part 30, and the upper end of the flow path 40 opens inside the recovery part 30.

[0033] It is preferred that a narrowing portion 41 narrower than the inner diameter of the first opening portion 21 is formed in at least a portion of the flow path 40. Thus, only the glandular larvae that are phototactic to the light irradiated from the irradiation portion 50 can be moved to the recovery portion 30. In addition, the sample containing the glandular larvae that moved to the recovery portion 30 can be easily recovered. In the present embodiment, the flow path 40 is a tubular body having a diameter narrower than the inner diameter of the first opening portion 21, and the entire flow path 40 becomes the narrowing portion 41. On the other hand, one or more narrowing portions 41 may be formed in a portion of the flow path 40.

[0034] The irradiation unit 50 irradiates the recovery unit 30 with visible light. Thus, the larvae and nauplii of barnacles that have positive phototropism to the light can be lured to the recovery unit 30. On the other hand, other animal plankton, plant plankton, and foreign matter that do not have positive phototropism to the visible light remain inside the main body 20, so the sample after removing them can be recovered. The specific structure of the irradiation unit 50 is not particularly limited, and for example, an LED irradiation device, a halogen lamp, a mercury lamp, a fluorescent tube, etc. can be used, and preferably an LED irradiation device is used.

[0035] The first blocking member 61 is a member having a hole through which the flow path 40 can pass, and is made of an elastic material such as rubber or an elastomer. The first blocking member 61 preferably has no light transmittance. The first blocking member 61 may also be formed as one piece with the flow path 40. The lower end portion of the first blocking member 61 is embedded in the first opening 21 and fixed, and the upper end surface of the first blocking member 61 is fixed by contacting with the bottom surface of the recovery portion 30.

[0036] The second blocking member 62 has the same structure as the first blocking member 61 except that it does not have a hole. The lower end portion of the second blocking member 62 is fitted into the second opening 22 and fixed.

[0037] <Microbial Isolation and Recovery Method>

[0038] Next, the steps of separating and recovering microorganisms using the microorganism separation and recovery device 1 are described. Figure 2As shown, the recovery part 30, the flow path 40, the first blocking member 61, and the second blocking member 62 are removed from the main body 20. In this state, the sample (plankton net sample) is introduced from the first opening 21 or the second opening 22. In addition, the recovery part 30, the flow path 40, and the first blocking member 61 may not be removed, and only the second blocking member 62 may be removed, and the sample is introduced from the second opening 22. Next, the flow path 40 and the first blocking member 61 are embedded in the first opening 21 and blocked, and the recovery part 30 is connected from above. In this state, filtered seawater is introduced from the second opening 22, and the filtered seawater is continuously introduced until the water level reaches above the upper end of the flow path 40 inside the recovery part 30. Thereafter, the second blocking member 62 is embedded in the second opening 22 and blocked, and the recovery part 30 is irradiated with visible light by the irradiation part 50. After irradiation for a predetermined time (for example, more than 15 minutes), as shown in FIG. Figure 3 As shown, the microorganism separation and recovery device 1 is tilted to recover the liquid in the recovery part 30 into a predetermined container.

[0039] Here, the opening of the main body 20 is blocked by the first blocking member 61 and the second blocking member 62, and only the top end of the flow path 40 is connected to the outside. In this state, when the microorganism separation and recovery device 1 is tilted to recover the liquid in the recovery part 30 into a predetermined container, the inside of the main body 20 is negative pressure, and the surface tension acts on the top end of the flow path 40. Therefore, even if the microorganism separation and recovery device 1 is tilted, the liquid accumulated in the main body 20 will not be discharged to the outside, and only the liquid in the recovery part 30 will be discharged, so that the liquid in the recovery part 30 can be easily recovered.

[0040] Next, the structure of the microorganism separation and recovery device 1a according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described. The same structures as those of the microorganism separation and recovery device 1 according to the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals in the drawings, and their description may be omitted.

[0041] Second Implementation Method

[0042] <Microorganism separation and recovery device>

[0043] like Figure 4 As shown, the microorganism separation and recovery device 1 a according to the second embodiment includes a main body 20 , a recovery unit 30 , a flow path 40 , and an irradiation unit 50 .

[0044] Similar to the microorganism separation and recovery device 1, the main body 20 is a hollow member having a shape that branches upward in two directions at the branching portion 23. A first opening 21 and a second opening 22 are formed at the branching end of the branching portion 23. In the present embodiment, the second opening 22 is shielded by a light shielding member 62a that can be opened and closed. The light shielding member 62a is not particularly limited as long as it is a structure that can shield the second opening 22. For example, a cover having an inner diameter larger than the outer diameter of the second opening 22 can be configured in a manner that covers the second opening 22.

[0045] In the present embodiment, the flow path 40 is a flow path of the main body 20 branched from the branching portion 23. A first opening 21 is formed at the upper end of the flow path 40. The first opening is connected to the lower surface of the recovery portion 30. In the present embodiment, the recovery portion 30 is a cylindrical body composed of a light-transmitting member, and the lower surface is open.

[0046] <Microbial Isolation and Recovery Method>

[0047] As a procedure for separating and recovering microorganisms using the microorganism separation and recovery device 1a, as in the first embodiment, a sample (plankton net sample) is introduced into the main body 20, and filtered seawater is introduced as needed until the water surface rises to the position of the recovery part 30, and the second opening 22 is covered with a light shielding member 62a. Next, visible light is irradiated to the recovery part 30 by the irradiation part 50. After irradiation for a predetermined time (for example, more than 15 minutes), the liquid in the recovery part 30 is recovered using a pipette or the like.

[0048] Preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above. The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and modifications and improvements within the scope of achieving the object of the present invention are also included in the present invention.

[0049] Example

[0050] Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail using examples, but the present invention is not limited to these examples.

[0051] [Recovery test of cyprid larvae]

[0052] Using the microorganism separation and recovery device 1a of the second embodiment, a recovery test of the glandular larvae of barnacles was conducted. The glandular larvae of barnacles obtained by breeding were put into the microorganism separation and recovery device 1a together with seawater, and visible light was irradiated from the irradiation unit 50 to the recovery unit 30. A halogen lamp (peak wavelength: 646nm, wavelength range: 360-760nm, 15V 150W model 6423 manufactured by Philips) was used as the light source. The time when the second opening 22 was covered with the shading member 62a was taken as the start time, and the number of glandular larvae appearing in the recovery unit 30 was counted. Two tests were conducted, and in the first test, 16 glandular larvae were confirmed in the recovery unit 30 at the end (after 17 minutes and 20 seconds). In the second test, 13 glandular larvae were confirmed in the recovery unit 30 at the end (after 15 minutes and 26 seconds).

[0053] [Recovery rate of cyprid larvae]

[0054] A plankton sample (seawater filtration volume 200 L) was obtained using a Kitahara-style surface plankton net (diameter 30 cm, mesh size 0.1 mm; RIGOSHA5511). Dozens of larvae and nauplii of barnacles obtained by breeding were added thereto, and the obtained sample was used as a test sample. Using this sample, the same steps as the test for the recovery of larvae were followed and after 15 minutes, it was divided into a recovery portion recovered from the recovery section 30 and an included portion (non-recovery portion) remaining in the main body 20. About 15 mL of the recovery portion was recovered from the recovery section 30 using a pipette. The included portion was received and recovered using a 60μm sieve. The number (n) of larvae and other plankton was counted under a stereoscopic microscope (OLYMPUS SZX7) using a plankton counting plate (RIGOSHA). Two tests were conducted. The results are shown in Table 1.

[0055] [Table 1]

[0056]

[0057] As shown in Table 1, by using the microorganism separation and recovery device of the present embodiment, a recovery rate of 30 to 40% of cyprids and nauplii can be obtained. Even for the same crustaceans, the recovery rate of other crustaceans such as Copepoda is relatively low, and the recovery rates of Nereiss and Cercoscidea other than crustaceans are even lower. Based on the above results, it can be seen that the microorganism separation and recovery device of the present embodiment can be used to separate cyprids and nauplii of barnacles from other microorganisms.

[0058] Description of Reference Numerals

[0059] 1.1a: Microbial separation and recovery device

[0060] 20: Main body

[0061] 21: First opening

[0062] 22: Second opening

[0063] 23: Branch Department

[0064] 30: Recycling Department

[0065] 40: Flow path

[0066] 41: Narrow part

[0067] 50: Irradiation Department

[0068] 61: First blocking member

[0069] 62: Second blocking member

Claims

1. A microorganism separation and recovery device for separating and recovering barnacle larvae from a sample containing a plurality of microorganisms, comprising: A main body, which is composed of a light shielding member and has a space inside which can store liquid; A recovery part, which is arranged above the main body and is composed of a light-transmitting member; a flow path connecting the main body and the recovery part; and An irradiation unit irradiates visible light toward the recovery unit.

2. The microorganism separation and recovery device according to claim 1, wherein: The main body has a first opening connected to the flow path and opening upward. The flow path is configured to shield light from the outside, and a narrow portion narrower than the inner diameter of the first opening is formed in at least a portion.

3. The microorganism separation and recovery device according to claim 2, wherein: The main body has a branching portion, and the branching portion branches upward in two directions. The first opening is formed in one branch of the branch portion, A second opening is formed in the other branch of the branch portion, and the second opening is located at a higher position than the first opening.

4. The microorganism separation and recovery device according to claim 3, wherein: The first opening is blocked by a first blocking member, and the first blocking member has a hole through which the flow path can pass. The second opening is blocked by a second blocking member so as to be openable and closable.

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