www.bbe-moldaenke.de BenthoTorch Fast & simple measurement of microalgae on substrates The unique instrument for quick and easy phytobenthos measurements Direct measurement without preparation BenthoTorch Rapid and simple determination of green algae, cyano-QUANTIFICATION OF bacteria and diatoms on different substrates. AUFWUCHS The bbe BenthoTorch is a robust, water proof field instrument for rapid quanti-Green algae fication of green algae, cyanobacteria and diatoms on different substrates such as Cyanobacteria sediments and stone surfaces. A measurement is performed in less than 15 seconds. Just turn it on, place on the substrate and read off the results. Diatoms LCD display of the BenthoTorch Specifications FEATURES Rapid determination of DESCRIPTION VALUE benthic algae concentration of green algae [μg chl-a/cm²], No sample preparation concentration of cyanobacteria [μg chl-a/cm²], Measurands concentration of diatoms [μg chl-a/cm²], Automatic substrate correction GPS co-ordinates Integrated instrument display Measuring range 0 – 15 μg chl-a/cm² GPS sensor Resolution 0.1 μg chl-a/cm² Weight 1.3 kg Cable-free operation Size (H x Ø) 500 x 60 mm Datalogger function Power supply 110/230 V – 50/60 Hz – 12V DC Internal rechargeable batteries Power input 10 W Protection class IP 68 USB connection to PC/laptop Depth range 10 m Wireless measurement Temperature Sample: 0 to 35 °C Environment: 0 to 40 °C Storage: 0 to 50 °C Data capicity 2,000 data sets Interface USB data port Accessories hard plastic carrying case, mains unit, manual, software, hand loop Options telescopic rod, nylon shoulder bag, SDI-12 converter 1 BenthoTorch | bbe moldaenke© BenthoTorch Why should we measure benthic algae? APPLICATIONS Various algal species and cyanobacteria have adapted their nutrient uptake EU Water Framework Directive systems enabling them to survive in shallow water close to the shoreline. Here the water quality parameters sunlight still penetrates down to the sea or river bed. This habitat is home to Restoration and rehabilitation benthic algae, ranging from the microscopic to the gigantic kelp. Especially projects microphytobenthos attached to the subsurface, play an essential role in primary production. Environmental monitoring Limnological work For the assessment and improvement of surface water the European Water Framework Directive stipulates to determine phytoplankton including benthic Research and education algae. As a result, it has become obligatory to study the development and abundance of benthic communities. The collected data are essential for the evaluation of water quality in aquatic ecosystems. Traditional methods include sampling of benthic algae by scraping surface materials or rapid deep-freezing and subsequent chlorophyll extraction. While incomplete in removal and extraction these methods moreover cannot determine different algal classes. Alternatively, the use of laborious and time-consuming microscopy is limited to accessible objects rarely found in the field. Innovative operative concept – fast measurement Benthic algae measurements have become much easier with the development of the BenthoTorch: different light sources excite the internal pigments of intact algal cells. The amount of re-emitted red light fluorescence gives a quantitative estimate of the algal density. Now in situ measurement of different algae classes becomes feasible. No sample preparation is needed. This fluorescence technique enables quick and easy analysis of benthic algae in real time. The BenthoTorch is precalibrated for the most prominent algal classes to be found in the field. This fluorometric technique has been well-proven for pelagic phytoplankton, by extensive application of the bbe FluoroProbe, and has now been successfully adapted to measure benthic algae concentrations. Background measurement of the substrate matrix enables to compensate and minimize the effect of backward scattering on chlorophyll measurement. BenthoTorch: For measurement of benthic algae on different substrates BenthoTorch | bbe moldaenke© 2 BenthoTorch Operation INSTRUMENT SOFTWARE The BenthoTorch is simply switched on either by shaking or by use of a magnetic FUNCTIONS rod. Four contact keys are well arranged for operating the BenthoTorch. An Start and stop of measurement intelligibly presented menu enables one-step measurement. The illuminated display gives clear readings of results even in bright sunlight. After starting a Access to all stored data measurement, all steps are processed automatically: the countdown, the LED (Re-)calibration of instrument tuning and display of the results. A vibration signal informs the user about completion of the measurement. Settings: measurement duration, measurement interval, GPS on/off PC SOFTWARE FUNCTIONS Display of time data as graphic Data retrieval and management Data export to ASCII files GPS data export to e.g. Google Earth BenthoTorch used in the AQUAREHAB project in Denmark and Belgium 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 E-Mail: bbe@bbe-moldaenke.de