The chlorophyll measuring instrument with algae class differentiation

The bbe FluoroProbe is a highly sensitive measuring instrument for chlorophyll analysis. Due to numerous special features it can be used in a variety of applications.

The FluoroProbe quickly and reliably determines chlorophyll concentration down to depths of 100m. The measuring data of the probe can be displayed online via a serial interface/USB connection or stored in the probe for subsequent analysis. In addition to determining the chlorophyll content, the probe also detects the presence of algae and allocates them to various spectral algae classes (blue algae/cyanobacteria, green algae, diatoms/dinoflagellates/chrysophycia, cryptophycia). This enables the instrument to analyze the occurrence and distribution of algae on site without the necessity of the laboratory. Themorline e.g. or other layers in the body of water of lakes (bathing water), ponds and sea often show interesting profiles of plankton distribution when analysed with the FluoroProbe.

Information:

Brochures:

• bbe FluoroProbe 
• bbe BenthoFluor Kit

Film:

• FluoroProbe promotional video

bbe FluoroProbe

bbe FluoroProbe with Benthos Kit

bbe FluoroProbe with Workstation 25

Measurement Principle:

The fluorescence of algae (at approx. 700nm) due to excitation by visible light mainly depends on the presence of chlorophyll-a, a very common pigment in the plant world. The occurrence of other pigments is typical for the different algae classes. Interactions between these different pigment systems with chlorophyll-a results in a special excitation spectrum for the taxonimical algae classes. The special patterns of this algae fluorescence - so-called fingerprints - are used in the bbe fluorometers for the quantification of different algae classes. The excitation light sources are LEDs with different wavelengths, mostly within the visible spectral range. The fingerprints of four algae classes and of yellow substances are already stored in the FluoroProbe. Special user-defined fingerprints can also be added and used to analyze the chlorophyll content of the water. It is also possible to determine bacteria-chlorophyll (divinyl chlorophyl) and the fluorescence of sulfur bacteria.

Rugged PDA for field operation

Applications:

• environmental monitoring
• early warning system for algae blooms in limnological and marine waterways
• bathing water monitoring of blue algae (cyanobacteria) and algae blooms in general
• drinking water monitoring of (toxic) blue algae
• pre-warning of the occurence of poisonous algae, algae toxins (eg. toxins of blue algae)
• detection of not only chlorophyll but also pigments such as phycocaynine and phycoerythrine, fucoxanthine and peridinine
• aquaculture monitoring
• dam monitoring
• algae distribution in the Arctic/Antarctic
• oceanographic research
• mooring, experiments, continuous anaylsis
• limnological research
• research and teaching
• tracer measurements

Software:

The software of the bbe FluoroProbe facilitates detailed data analysis. All measurement data can be displayed numerically or graphically. Sections of data measurements can be recorded and printed using the zoom function. Data can also be exported to a spreadsheet program (e.g Excel). All settings and calibrations are performed by the bbe FluoroProbe software.

The screenshots below show examples of distribution profiles of algae distribution in the Plussee (lake in northern Germany) recorded in June 1999. The measurements were made at the same location at 10:00 a.m. and 12:00 noon respectively. The chlorophyll of the dinoflagellates were predominant in the group given in yellow. The change in the depth profile can be traced back to a vertical movement of the dinoflagellates, which actively moved to a new deeper depth due to adaptation to the current nutrient level.

The specific adaptation of the individual algae groups can be detected due to the cryptophyta, the maximum of which was found at about 5m and did not change during the observation period. Blue algae and green algae also show a distribution in the depth profile, which is independent of time.

Mobile Probe:

Fast and flexible chlorophyll concentration and algae class determination all over a body of water 

Operation with the Workstation 25 (benchtop cuvette holder):

The bbe FluoroProbe can be equipped with a cuvette holder and a stirrer for measurements in the lab.

BenthoFluor Kit:

The bbe FluoroProbe can be equipped with an add-on device for benthic algae.

Specifications of the bbe FluoroProbe

Measurands

• total chlorophyll [µg Chl-a/l]
• concentration of green algae [µg Chl-a/l]
• concentration of blue algae [µg CDhl-a/l]
• concentration of diatoms [µg Chl-a/l]
• concentration of cryptoma [µg Chl-a/l]
• fingerprints of classes/species, also user-defined [µg Chl-a/l]
• yellow substances
• transmission (optional)
• water temperature
• depth