www.bbe-moldaenke.de Fast and simple AlgaeTorch algae monitoring Designed for all types of The handy measurement surface water: lakes, reservoirs, instrument for rapid deployment rivers and bathing water The Measurement principle MeAsureMenT The excitation of the photosynthesis apparatus in the living cell using ▶ in vivo fluorescence light of little intensity leads to the emission of fluorescent light ( in vivo ▶ real-time measurement fluorescence). The AlgaeTorch determines the algal content via measu- ▶ fluorescence measure- rement of the fluorescence intensity: this is proportional to the chlo-ment in comparison rophyll content of the microalgae and blue-green algae. The results ▶ excitation using three appear in real time, since the pulsed fluorescence excitation and emissi-wavelengths on occurs in milliseconds. ▶ blue-green algae The fluorescence measurement corresponds to time-consuming wet detection chemical analysis according to ISO 10260 and DIN 38412/16. However, ▶ total chlorophyll-a in contrast to wet chemical analysis using extraction, the AlgaeTorch needs no sample preparation and can even replace the time-consuming method of cell counting using the microscope. To measure the fluorescence, microalgae in the water are excited by LEDs of different wavelengths. In addition to light-collecting chloro-What does the AlgaeTorch offer? phyll, blue-green algae (cyanobacteria) have other pigments which have to be taken into account in the chlorophyll measurement. Using multiple LEDs allows all algae classes to be measured. The amount of total chlorophyll of all microalgae and blue-green algae (cyanobacteria) The AlgaeTorch is a handheld instrument for the rapid is then calculated from the fluorescence signals by the appropriate algorithms. measurement of chlorophyll-a without sample preparation. The Algae- Torch 100 is the suitable instrument T for long –term What else does he chlorophyll content of microalgae and blue-green algae is measured measurement directly in the water. Algae, as phytoplankton, are an essential component the AlgaeTorch do? ApplicATion of the biomass which performs photosynthesis in rivers, lakes and seas, and which binds atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO assimilation). ▶ chlorophyll 2 measurement The purpose of chlorophyll determination is a qualitative and quantitative without sample measurement of phytoplankton. The chlorophyll content of algae can be Additional AlgaeTorch Data preparation used as an aid to estimate the amount or quantity of algae in the water. ▶ determination of At the same time, an assessment of phytoplankton which can be seen as The integrated turbidity measurement and turbidity correction factor blue-green algae and potentially harmful takes place. This includes the commonly occurring class prevents influence of the chlorophyll measurement by reflection and total chlorophyll of blue-green algae (cyanobacteria). The AlgaeTorch automatically differen-the weakening of the signal strength by particles in the water. This ▶ water quality tiates between the chlorophyll content of blue-green algae (cyanobacteria) improves the quality of the measurement considerably. In contrast to FeATures assessment and the chlorophyll content of all other microalgae present. other chlorophyll measurement instruments, the correction is carried ▶ turbidity ▶ surface water out automatically and is directly included in the chlorophyll deter-measurement inspection The AlgaeTorch can be used anywhere where an assessment of water qual-mination. The turbidity measured is displayed and stored as an FTU and correction ity is required in association with algae. The measurement principle is sim- ▶ bathing water measurement (Formazin Turbidity Unit). ▶ GPS monitoring ple and is automatically controlled using the integrated LCD display, from starting a measurement to showing the results. The AlgaeTorch can be used The AlgaeTorch is equipped with a GPS module. Geographical coordi- ▶ data processing ▶ ecological for the assessment of algae blooms at an early stage, the measurement of nates are displayed and stored with each chlorophyll measurement, and export investigations bathing water quality, the evaluation of ecological status according to the EU along with the date and time. All datasets can be transferred from the Water Framework Directive and the quality of cooling water systems. internal data logger to a PC using the bbe++ software. AlgaeTorch | bbe moldaenke © 2 bbe moldaenke © | AlgaeTorch 3 The maximum distance between the PC or notebook and the AlgaeTorch operATion for cable operation is 30 m. A submersible AlgaeTorch 10 with external ▶ underwater power supply is also available. operation A motor-operated wiper, which periodically cleans the optics of the ▶ wiper AlgaeTorch, is available as an attachment to prevent biofilms. ▶ settings All further settings can be changed via the menus in the display: mea- ▶ online surement time and measurement interval, display settings and GPS measurement activation, etc. Before a measurement is started, the position is loca- ▶ interfaces ted via GPS and subsequently added to the measurement results. Both FeATures Exported measurement data can be integrated graphically into Google ▶ shallow water AlgaeTorch versions can perform individual, interval or continuous mea-Earth or Google Maps. attachment surements. ▶ integrated display ▶ telescopic rod All settings and measurement results are shown on the integrated display. The AlgaeTorch is equipped with a serial interface (RS232) for data ▶ sensor keys The brightness of the display can be regulated and produces good reada- ▶ maintenance-free export and for connection to an external computer. It is connected to ▶ vibration signal bility even in strong sunlight. Neither a control unit nor a PC is needed for the PC or notebook via USB. The AlgaeTorch 100 has a watertight plug ▶ internal power a measurement. The AlgaeTorch is operated by easy-to-use sensor keys. system, which allows online operation in submersed mode. supply Inputs and the end of a measurement are confirmed by a vibration signal. ▶ robust design The AlgaeTorch contains rechargeable batteries in a robust housing. ▶ cable-free Operation in the field is cable-free. Mains operation is of course also The components of the AlgaeTorch measurement possible. Reed contact for magnet activation The AlgaeTorch in operation Sensor Rope loop head with LEDs and photodi- ode operATion Switch on and read off Display ▶ starting of the The AlgaeTorch has an internal tilt switch and is activated by flipping the AlgaeTorch Pressure sensor Contact keys Electrical instrument or by using a magnet. Operation of the AlgaeTorch is perfor- (AlgaeTorch 100) (touch keys) connection ▶ control med by the integrated firmware or the bbe++ software supplied. After switching the unit on, it is operated by using 4 capacitive sensor keys on ▶ long-term measurement the housing directly below the display. All menu items for the measurement are easily and quickly accessible. The measurement program is started In order to avoid the influence of benthic algae, seaweed or fallen leaves on the measurement values, the immediately by confirming START by pressing the key below the OK. Before each measurement, the LEDs are AlgaeTorch is supplied with a shallow water attachment. This prevents background fluorescence from influen-automatically tuned before the measurement begins. In the standard setting, this lasts approximately cing the measurement results. 10 seconds, whereby the countdown is shown in the display. When the display is darkened, the AlgaeTorch For difficult-to-reach-locations a telescopic rod is available. The distance of the operator to the measuring site calculates the chlorophyll values. After a few seconds, the results appear as dark numbers on a light background can be increased up to 2.5 m. – easily readable even in bright sunlight. The AlgaeTorch is maintenance-free and should be rinsed occasionally after use with clean water. An access code The AlgaeTorch 10 is submersible down to 10 m, however, it is not conceived for permanent underwater opera-prevents the deletion of calibration data. If necessary, the AlgaeTorch can be reset to its factory settings. tion. Long-term measurement campaigns and online measurement can be performed using the AlgaeTorch 100 down to a depth of 100 m with integrated depth measurement and an external power supply. AlgaeTorch | bbe moldaenke © 4 bbe moldaenke © | AlgaeTorch 5 Software, Calibration and Function Testing Additions and Accessories soFTWAre The AlgaeTorch is equipped with its own firmware for automatic ▶ bbe firmware operation, measurement, data collection and calibration. Updates are ▶ bbe++ software Background: spectral analysis provided free of charge as downloads by bbe. ▶ database The bbe++ software supplied can be used to operate the AlgaeTorch and ▶ macro function view and evaluate the data. ▶ compatibility All parameters and data measured are stored in a database. The data-FeATures How is phytoplankton differentiated? base can store the data of different instruments and types. AlgaeTorch check: The macro function contains default settings for the graphic and table ▶ function check ▶ pigment and chloro- In addition to chlorophyll, algae contain characteristic pigments to collect phyll fluorescence display in different combinations. Using this function simplifies the selec-energy. All algae show in common chlorophyll-fluorescence with an ▶ calibration tion of commonly used windows and display settings. emission of red light between 680 and 700 nm. The excitation wavelengths, ▶ LED wavelengths however, can be considerably different according to each algal class. ▶ chlorophyll The bbe++ software runs on all common Windows operating systems. measurement It is also conceived to operate other bbe fluorescence measurement This characteristic of algae is used to classify the different algae. The of different algae instruments. Data from the AlgaeTorch can be exported, to be displayed AlgaeTorch uses 2 x 3 LEDs at different wavelengths. In order to obtain a ▶ AlgaeTorch in Excel sheets or satellite maps. fluorescence spectrum, 6 LEDs with wavelengths of 470, 525 and 610 nm measurement were selected for the excitation. The wavelengths of the LEDs are adapted The AlgaeTorch is pre-calibrated and ready for immediate use. The scope oF Delivery during an algal to the absorption wavelengths of the light-collecting pigments of different bloom functionality of the instrument can be tested in a few minutes using the ▶ instrument: algal classes such as phycocyanin and chlorophyll. AlgaeTorch ▶ manual ▶ PC software ▶ mains unit The AlgaeTorch uses The functionality can be tested 6 LEDs for excitation directly on the instrument The AlgaeTorch is an very “ ▶ USB–mains of the complete quickly and simply using the fluorescence spectrum practical instrument for the optional attachment unit supply with rapid detection of blue-green cable algae. ▶ shallow water The in vivo fluorescence attachment measurement enables consid- erable time-savings and rapid The excitation of the algal pigments is performed by sequential ▶ cleaning cloth optionally available performance-test attachment, which is screwed decision-making. It allows us switching off the LEDs at high frequency. In the intermediary phases, the onto the measurement head of the AlgaeTorch. to determine the scattered optional: fluorescence emission of the chlorophyll is measured as a response to the distribution of blue-green algae excitation. The attachment contains an auto-fluorescent foil, which is measured by ▶ performance-test unit (with the built-in GPS module) the AlgaeTorch. By additionally measuring the current temperature, the and thus a differentiated load ▶ telescopic rod Spectra of different algal classes are used as the basis for the evaluation settings of the AlgaeTorch can be checked and compared to the facto-image. in order to measure the chlorophyll content of blue-green algae (cyanob- ▶ shoulder bag ry settings of the attachment. If deviations are determined, the user can The AlgaeTorch also enables us „ acteria) and the total chlorophyll. In parallel, the turbidity is determined contact bbe service for assistance and advice. A recalibration of the instru-to intensify observations. ▶ 10 m rope by measuring the reflection at a wavelength of 700 nm, which does not ment is recommended at two-year intervals. The calibration at factory is ▶ motor-operated interfere with the chlorophyll measurement. The turbidity is calibrated performed with live algal cultures from controlled algal breeding under Hartmut Wassmann wiper Engineering Office, at factory and does not require additional correction. It is used auto-strict quality controls. Waterbody Restauration ▶ underwater cable matically for chlorophyll correction but can be deactivated if necessary. EnvironmentalIinformation and Limnology AlgaeTorch | bbe moldaenke © 6 bbe moldaenke © | AlgaeTorch 7 ADvAnTAges Technical Details of the AlgaeTorch ▶ immediate chloro- phyll analysis DESCRIPTIOn VALUES ▶ differentiated blue-green algae [µg chl –a/l], blue-green algae detection Measurands total chlorophyll [µg chl –a/l], turbidity, GPS coordinates ▶ real-time Measurement range 0 - 200 µg Chlorophyll-a/l measurement Resolution 0.1 µg Chlorophyll-a/l ▶ automatic turbidity correction Weight 1.3 kg Dimensions (H x Ø) 500 x 60 mm ▶ linked GPS coordinates Power supply 110/230 V @ 50/60 Hz - 12 V DC ▶ long operation Sample temperature 0 - 40 °C times, little Turbidity correction 0 - 200 turbidity units maintenance Protection class IP 68 ▶ simple operation Depth AlgaeTorch 10: 10 m ▶ cable-free AglaeTorch 100: 100 m measurement Data interface USB ▶ light, portable Data interface 2,000 datasets and mobile Software bbe++ software for Windows ▶ submersible to 10 m, maximum 100 m ▶ online option ▶ switchable from µg chlorophyll to cell counts ▶ calibrated with living algal cultures Do you have any questions? Contact us! Your local bbe distributor 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