bbe biological •biophysical •engineering moldaenke A l g a e T o x i m e t e r Fast and sensitive detection of toxic substances in water chlorophyll determination and algae class differentiation w w w . b b e - m o l d a e n k e . d e A l g a e T o x i m e t e r b b e m o l d a e n k e © A l g a e f e r m e n t e r a n d c h l o r o p h y l l s e n s o r Advanced technology for environmental monitoring The bbe Algae Toximeter analyses water for the presence of toxic substances by recording the activity of algae cells under the influence of a sample stream. Based on the fluorescence measurement of chlorophyll bbe has developed a sensitive method for the detection of hazardous compounds in samples of e.g. water supply systems, rivers, treatment plants, soil recultivation and sewers. Continuous biological monitoring with the bbe Algae Toximeter enables the detection and warning of toxic discharges. The instrument records the amount and duration of these discharges. Rapid response and a record of the incidents are made promptly available to the responsible authority. Thus, bbe biomonitoring systems are well-suited to prevent wilful or negligent damage to water supplies and are already in use for the long-term surveillance of water quality around the world. Parameters The Algae Toximeter determines the following parameters: D measurement of direct chlorophyll fluorescence corresponds to the wet-chemical chlorophyll analysis D measurement of variable chlorophyll fluorescence of the water sample (Genty method) shows the percentage of active chlorophyll and serves as degree of toxicity D measurement of algae class distribution gives a quantitative mass of different algae classes: green algae, blue-green algae, diatoms and dinoflagellates and cryptophytes D measurement of the sample transmission enables S c r e e n s h o t o f t h e A l g a e T o x i m e t e r s o f t w a r e compensation of turbidity effects D toxicity A l g a e T o x i m e t e r b b e m o l d a e n k e © Check your water quality by sensitive online biomonitoring Principle The bbe Algae Toximeter determines Measurement and Data Evaluation toxic substances in surface waters. Mo-lecular interaction of these substances For the measurement, water samples are pumped into the measuring sensor with the photosynthetic apparatus of where the algae concentration and their activity are determined fluorome-green algae results in a loss of activity (pri-trically. Based on low light excitation (fo) and high light excitation (fm) the mary production, oxygen evolution). The Genty Parameter1) is calculated as a relative mass of activity. Subsequently, a activity is related to chlorophyll fluore-defined amount of standardised algae is injected into the sensor and the me-scence – a natural phenomenon of photo-asurement is repeated. The activity of the additional algae stays constant as synthesis. The test organisms – the algae long as no toxic substances are present. In the presence of toxic substances, – are cultivated in an integrated fermen-the activity of the standardised algae is reduced. ter. A water sample is mixed with the Optical devices under prolonged operation are subject to the development of standardised algae. If the algae are af-obstructive biofilms. To prevent biofouling the measuring cell is periodically fected, e.g. by the negative impact of a cleaned with a cleaning device. herbicide that reduces activity of the The bbe software offers a concise graphic desktop which displays the status algae, an alarm is induced. The major ad-of all the relevant parameters and measurements in full or tiled window mode. vantage of the fluorometric assay is high The measurement data are automatically stored in a database for continuous sensitivity and the immediate response access. of fluorescence measurement, and the detection of the broad range of different chemicals that influence algae activity. F e r m e n t e r The fermenter The cultivation of the standardised algae E f f e c t o f d i f f e r e n t h e r b i c i d e s o n t h e i n h i b i t i o n o f a l g a e a c t i v i t y takes place in a fermenter, which is regu-For the analysis of the results bbe software is used. This reliable system is used lated ”turbidostatically” by an additional fluorescence measurement. This regula-in numerous toximeters. The software recognises rapid changes in signals to-tion insures that the algae concentration gether with a statistical analysis – and is therefore the suitable program for and their activity are maintained at a con-the determination of toxic events. stant level. When the measuring results are still in a diffuse state, the sensitivity for incidents is already at a high level. Option Programmable reference solution proce-dure. An extra feed line provides a refe-1 Genty, B., Briantais, J.-M., Baker, N., R., 1989. The relationship between the quantum rence measurement with a standard, i.e. yield of photosynthetic electron transport and quenching of chlorophyll fluorescence. a toxin, with a defined concentration. Biochem. Biophys. Acta 990: 87 - 92 A l g a e T o x i m e t e r b b e m o l d a e n k e Applications D drinking water supply D waterway analysis and assessment D general environmental monitoring D dams, rivers and lakes D intake assessment D treatment plants D soil remediation D industrial waste waters Specifications Features A l g a e T o x i m e t e r D high sensitivity D reduced measuring interval Measuring range (Chlorophyll) 0.3 - 200 μg/L D algae differentiation of sample Sensitivity 0.5 μg/L Atrazin water Temperature range 0 - 40° C eq. to 32 - 102° F D integrated algae fermenter Weight 60 kg Size (LxWxH) 620 x 620 x 600 mm Protection IP54 Voltage 110-240 V 50/60 Hz D precise dosage of supply solutions Power 600 W D automatic cleaning of the Sample temperature 0 - 30° C, eq. to 32 - 86° F measuring unit Sample volume 30 ml D adaptable software for the Internal PC HD, LCD display, DVD, USB tion!ra needs of user e Maintenance interval > 7 days alto D autostart after power failure Outputs modem, LAN, analog output 4-20 mA (2 X), Subject t relay output (2 X), RS232 Your local bbe dealer… bbe biological • biophysical • engineering moldaenke Wildrosenweg 3 | 24119 Kronshagen | Germany phone (+49) 431 38040 -0 fax (+49) 431 38040 -10 e-mail info@bbe-moldaenke.de net www.bbe-moldaenke.de