The design and construction of a micro-flow system capable of the anaylsis of phytoplankton, (microscopic algae that live in the sea). Using the technique of impedance spectroscopy data will be collected to enable anyalsis and identification of the sample. Due to the varying dielectric properties of different types of phytoplankton such an analysis will be able to uniquely identify different types, further due to the compact size of the system the analysis can be conducted at the source thus eliminating the problems associated with bringing up samples from depth. The system will employ novel electrode designs as well as employing novel techniques for hydrodynamic flow focusing.