www.bbe-moldaenke.de FluoroProbe III Rapid and simple algae monitoring The Instrument for Depth Suitable for all surface Profiles of Microalgae waters: lakes, reservoirs, rivers and bathing water How does the FluoroProbe III measure MEASurEMEnT chlorophyll-a content? ▶ Chlorophyll-a fluorescence Photosynthesis uses the light energy of the sun to gain and convert energy into energy-rich substances. This process is closely linked to the photo- ▶ Accessory pigments systems of algae and cyanobacteria – with chlorophyll-a playing a central ▶ 6 excitation wavelengths role in the conversion. Fluorescence – i.e. the emission of previously ▶ Brightness regulation absorbed light – is a natural process. When energised by sunlight or of excitation artificial light, unused or superfluous energy is immediately given off. ▶ High measurement The light-collecting photosystem emits red light at a wavelength of frequency 685 - 700 nm, which is detected by a highly sensitive photomultiplier. ▶ Evaluation based At a suitable excitation the emitted fluorescent light is proportional to the on stored algal chlorophyll-a content of phytoplankton. In additional to chlorophyll-a, spectra algae and cyanobacteria contain accessory pigments for the more What can the FluoroProbe III do? effective use of light energy which characteristically influence chlorophyll-a fluorescence. The use of six different LEDs with excitation wavelengths in the visible range The FluoroProbe III is a depth profiler for the of 370 to 610 nm improves the calculation and enables a distinction of “ rapid detection of chlorophyll-a in phytoplankton different algal classes. For a constant excitation over the time of deploy-ment, the FluoroProbe III has an integrated LED brightness adjustment. We regularly check our reser- voirs using the FluoroProbe. To avoid the influence of ambient light the excitation is pulsed at high In contrast to lab methods the frequency (6 KHz) so that only the pulsed and filtered fluorescent response W FluoroProbe delivers a quick ater as the basis of life of all organisms has an essential significance. is evaluated. The calculation of the distribution of the amount of chloro-overview of algal content in Increasing anthropogenous pollution of water bodies requires an increase in phyll-a is performed by using the previously stored fluorescence profiles the reservoirs, and the depth FeaTures the observation and assessment of water quality. Chlorophyll-a is significant (fingerprints) of the known algal classes from an algae library. profiles in particular help us in the recognition and evaluation of the characteristic features of a water body to decide at what depth we ▶ Scientific analysis should extract the raw „ of water quality since phytoplankton is the main component of biomass present in rivers, lakes and the sea. water. ▶ Qualified The FluoroProbe III measures the chlorophyll-a of suspended phytoplankton measurement of chlorophyll-a in vivo. Microalgae of different classes and cyanobacteria (cyanophyceae) are What are the additional features part of a complex ecosystem related to zooplankton and higher organisms. Anita Nienhüser ▶ Simultaneous Different algal classes (dinoflagellates) and cyanobacteria are known for their Drinking Water Department Head measurement of the FluoroProbe III? Bergish Water and Environmental of different production of biotoxins. Since phytoplankton can be found at various depths Laboratory of the BTV GmbH algal classes in a water body, the estimation of the algal content of the water requires a rapid and sensitive profile measurement. ▶ Detection of cyanobacteria Fluorescence measurements using the FluoroProbe III fulfil these requirements Additional FluoroProbe III data and allow depth profiles to be recorded with the simultaneous analysis of ▶ Depth profiling different algal classes, all in real time. The results of the fluorescence spectro-Turbidity-causing particles have an influence on the in vivo chlorophyll in real time FeaTures scopy of cultured algae and naturally present algae verify the comparability measurement due to light reduction and reflection. The optional trans- ▶ Evaluation of of spectral fluorescence characteristics and serve to evaluate and quantify mission measurement with automatic turbidity correction is unique in ▶ Turbidity measurement algal blooms the chlorophyll-a content of natural populations. commercially available chlorophyll measuring instruments and substan-and compensation ▶ Detection of In this way, it is possible to follow the creation and development of algal tially improves the accuracy of the chlorophyll-a measurement. The ▶ CDOM (coloured phytoplankton blooms at high resolutions on the surface as well as at depths. Thus, the turbidity values measured are also displayed and stored. dissolved organic populations FluoroProbe III is the most suitable instrument for the comprehensive inves-The influence of yellow substances or CDOM, which belong to the group of matter) measurement tigation of water bodies at phytoplankton level and for the determination of humic substances, overlaps the fluorescence measurement of chlorophyll potentially harmful cyanobacteria. particularly at low algal content levels. FluoroProbe III | bbe moldaenke © 2 bbe moldaenke © | FluoroProbe III 3 The FluoroProbe III is readily deployable without cable by use of an autostart OuTDOOrs plug. By attaching the plug, the measurement is started and continues until the plug is removed. Via a measurement cable or the USB adapter the data can ▶ Autostart plug be transferred to a PC or the USB flash drive supplied. The depth range of the ▶ Increased depth range FluoroProbe III is down to 300 m, optionally in a steel housing down to ▶ Energy control 1,000 m depth. The internal battery supplies the FluoroProbe III for extended ▶ long-term underwater operation without an external power source. For longer operation measurement bbe recommends the setting for sleep mode with low power usage and an optional wiper for the removal of biofilm from the optics. A steel cage has proved useful against mechanical damage during operation from the side FeaTures This is helped by a determination of yellow substances and an auto-of a ship or in rough environments. matic correction. The spectral characteristics of yellow substances are ▶ Calibration using algal ADDITIOnAl uSES stored in the FluoroProbe III and can be adapted to a specific location when cultures using the FluoroProbe III in the laboratory necessary. ▶ lab use with the Work- ▶ Temperature sensor This also applies to algae with particular spectral characteristics: a calibra-The FluoroProbe III can also be deployed in the laboratory by using the station25 and cuvette ▶ Depth sensor tion to a new algal class extends the range of application and increases the specially developed Workstation25 as a stand for the instrument. The ▶ Test cuvette for accuracy of the allocation of the algal classes. The advantage lies in the use measurements of chlorophyll-a are performed in a 25 ml special cuvette function testing of real algae for the calculation of chlorophyll-a values of natural samples. made of optical glass. The optional stirrer motor ensures a homogenous ▶ Flow-through distribution of the sample so that the algae (in particular diatoms) cannot measurement For algae and cyanobacteria, nutrients and temperature play a significant settle. Ambient light is excluded from the optics by a specially designed role. The ambient temperature in the water is determined by the optional cover. A test cuvette is also available for function testing. temperature sensor on the housing. An exact depth measurement is carried The FluoroProbe III can also be deployed in pipe systems using a specially bbe FluoroProbe III emission lights out synchronously using the built-in pressure sensor. designed Flow-Through Unit (inlet and outlet connections). The sample water can be transported using an external pump. Deployment sites of the FluoroProbe III Site of application – what is performed? The FluoroProbe III can be used in many different applications: e.g. in the field of limnology, lakes and rivers are sampled. Focus is given to ecological questions, in particular changes and status evaluation. Investigations can OuTDOOrs FluoroProbe III in the field also be carried out in accordance with the EU Water Framework Directive. Moreover, for quality control the FluoroProbe III is also used in reservoirs, ▶ Simple operation Using the FluoroProbe III in waterbodies, whether in rivers, reservoirs or particularly for an analysis of potentially harmful cyanobacteria Microcystis lakes, is easy and simple with the bbe++ software. The software runs on aeruginosa and Planktothrix rubescens. In this case, a surface water sample is ▶ Settings and analysis with bbe++ software any current Windows PC and communicates via a USB cable. Optionally, often insufficient since the cyanobacteria prefer particular depths according for use of the FP III via Bluetooth a smartphone with corresponding app to the time of year. The aim is the prediction of the dynamic of cyanobacteria users ▶ Optionally, handheld including a GPS function is available. bbe++ controls all the measurements, blooms. In reservoirs, this concerns the avoidance of cyanotoxins biotoxins. for real-time data ▶ reservoir operators analysis the data transfer and the parameterisation. A clear overview allows simple Drinking water producers in Japan, for example, use the FluoroProbe III inte-measurement: after measuring the air pressure at the surface (key) for grated in a pipe system. Research trips to the Caribbean and the Antarctic are ▶ Aquaculture farms ▶ Submersion depth 0 - 1000 m depth measurement, START and STOP signal the beginning and end of a evidence of the manifold uses of the FluoroProbe III. Nearshore areas are also ▶ Drinking water producers measurement. The FluoroProbe III can be lowered into the water by hand used by aquaculture companies in the breeding of seafish. The use of feed ▶ assessors ▶ Huge data memory or by using a winch – at a recommended speed of approximately 30 cm/sec. and the formation of free nutrients promotes substantial growth of algae with ▶ Ecologists, limnologists ▶ Cable and cable-free The measurement frequency is up to 4 measurements/second. Maximum all its undesired consequences. The FluoroProbe III documents the changes measurements depth with cable is 100 m. Real time data are available on the PC or smart-precisely via a high data density. ▶ Oceanographers phone display. The internal memory contains 10 million datasets. FluoroProbe III | bbe moldaenke © 4 bbe moldaenke © | FluoroProbe III 5 Components, scope of delivery and maintenance scOPe OF DElIVErY The components of FluoroProbe III ▶ The “FluoroProbe III“ ▶ Charger Connector with protective cap ▶ uSB adapter with uSB The spectral analysis of algae flash drive Charging control LED ▶ Protective cap ▶ light screen ▶ Software & Manual Chlorophyll-a How is the chlorophyll-a calculated? Carrying wire content from algae ▶ rS485/uSB cable The FluoroProbe III is prepared for immediate chlorophyll determination by and cyanobacteria factory calibration using standard algae. This is performed using a special Optional: Photomultiplier window spectrofluorometer (bbe ALA) which has been calibrated using HPLC analy- ▶ Measuring cables of ▶ reference spectra ses of extracted algal pigments. HPLC analyses are carried out by external 10, 20, 30, 50, 100 m LED windows ▶ Fit procedure laboratories. These reference spectra of the algae used for the determina- ▶ lab cable of 60 cm tion of the chlorophyll-a are stored in the FluoroProbe III. Each algal class Temperature sensor ▶ Cable drum has a characteristic fluorescence spectrum (fingerprint) referring to the (for 40/100 m cables) chlorophyll content present with regard to form and intensity. Based on Transmission window ▶ Autostart plug the linear combination of the fluorescence signals created by the algal fluorescence of the sample algae, the measurement values obtained are ▶ Workstation25 with compared with the reference data and distributed optimally across the cuvette and stirrer different algal classes by means of a fit procedure. The total chlorophyll-a ▶ Flow-Through unit content results from the sum of the chlorophyll-a of the individual algal ▶ Bluetooth set classes. FluoroProbe III “Metal Shell” (1000 m) ▶ Wiper Bluetooth-Set with smartphone for data viewing and control The software allows the user to perform additional calculations by activa- ▶ Steel Cage ting or deactivating different algal classes in order to improve the adapta-tion if necessary. Different reference data from yellow substances can also Hints on care and calibration be applied to the calculation. BBE++ SOFTWArE The FluoroProbe III is almost completely maintenance-free. As with all ▶ Database The FluoroProbe III uses the supplied bbe++ software and stores the optical instruments the optical path must be kept clean. Rinsing the optics data in a database. bbe++ takes care of data transmission as well as the with clean water is sufficient. In case of biofilm, bbe recommends ▶ Graphic and table MAInTEnAnCE & representation display of the results in graphs and tables. Macros enable easy pre-selection manual cleaning or the use of an optional wiper which cleans the surface servIce of suitable display options. The FluoroProbe III can also be operated periodically between the measurements. ▶ Macro settings and controlled in online mode using the bbe++ software. Access is ▶ Cleaning ▶ Basic and expert organised in a clear basic and a complex expert mode with all the possibi-Re-calibration of the FluoroProbe III is recommended every two years. This modes ▶ Calibration, lities of such advanced software. The basic mode comprises all essential can be performed in the calibration laboratory at bbe using standardised Inspection ▶ re-calculation functions for operation in the field and the laboratory. The expert mode allows algal cultures. A technical inspection which can prevent errors during ▶ Operation time ▶ Data export optimisation of the algal classes via a re-calculation using additional finger-subsequent field operation can also be carried out at the same time. prints. The bbe++ software allows the problem-free export of data to other For long-term operation at 1 measurement/sec the maximum operation time ▶ Charging programmes (e.g. Excel). is 10 hours. If measurements are carried out once per day, the FluoroProbe III is deployable around 30 days. The maximum charging time is approx. 8 hours. FluoroProbe III | bbe moldaenke © 6 bbe moldaenke © | FluoroProbe III 7 ADVAnTAGES Technical Details of the FluoroProbe III ▶ replaces a considerable amount of time- DESCRIPTION VALUES intensive laboratory analysis total chlorophyll [μg chl-a/l], green algae [μg chl-a/l], ▶ no sample preparation cyanobacteria [μg chl-a/l], needed Measurands diatoms [μg chl-a/l], ▶ Perfect addition cryptophyceae [μg chl-a/l], to microscopy yellow substances correction, water temperature (optional), ▶ real-time analysis transmission (optional), depth of phytoplankton Measuring range 0 - 200 μg chlorophyll-a/l ▶ High measuring Measurement principle spectral fluorometry speed Resolution 0.01 µg chlorophyll-a/l ▶ Turbidity correction Transmission 0 - 100 % ▶ Yellow substances Water temperature -2 to 40°C correction Housing material reinforced plastic / V4A Steel ▶ Calibration using Weight 6.4 kg algal cultures (7.2 kg incl. light screen, in water 4.2 kg) Dimensions (H x Ø) 450 x 140 mm ▶ use of custom spectra Voltage 12 V ▶ Internal data logger Battery capacity 3900 mAh ▶ Internal power supply, rechargeable Operating time continuous operation approx. 10 hrs; interval approx . 30 days ▶ Wide-ranging Memory capacity 2 GB memory card - 10 million datasets accessories Interface RS485 and USB 0 - 100 m (standard) Maximum depth 0 - 300 m (extended) 0 - 1000 m (FluoroProbe III „Metal Shell“) cuvette holder (Workstation25), temperature / transmission measurement, Options measuring cables: 2 - 100 m, Hydro-Wiper unit, FluoroProbe III with Hydro-Wiper after weeks of operation Bluetooth set Do you have any questions? Please contact us! Your local representative bbe Moldaenke GmbH Preetzer Chaussee 177 Tel.: +49 (0) 431 - 380 40-0 24222 Schwentinental Fax: +49 (0) 431 - 380 40-10 Germany bbe@bbe-moldaenke.de