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BenthoTorch - Phytobenthos Fluorescence Measurement Instruments
A unique, in situ tool for quick and easy measurement of phytobenthos concentrations. The bbe BenthoTorch is a cost-effective tool which enables real-time measurement of benthic algae. It can help to improve ecological status assessment (EU WFD criteria) and optimise field sampling by eliminating the need for random sample-taking and testing, and lengthy microscopic observation. It is a portable field instrument for the in situ quantification of chlorophyll-a fluorescence on different substrates such as stones and sediment, thus, no sample preparation is necessary. The bbe BenthoTorch can complement sampling by showing the biomass data results on the internal display immediately after measurement. A measurement takes up to only 20 seconds to perform.
The bbe BenthoTorch uses in vivo fluorescence of algae cells: the algae pigments are selectively excited by coloured LEDs and emit red fluorescence light as a natural phenomenon at high sensitivity. The intensity of the chlorophyll fluorescence is used to calculate the different algae as chlorophyll-a, here green algae, blue-green algae (cyanobacteria) and diatoms.
The calculation is carried out internally using an optimised algorithm. The results are shown on the display and stored in the internal memory. An encapsulated USB port enables subsequent data transfer to a PC. The PC software is supplied free of charge.
The instrument is robust and completely sealed. It is operated through the transparent housing using capacity keys located below the display. The key actions are confirmed by a vibration signal. In this way it is possible to ensure safe operation of the instrument even in a wet environment. The instrument is deployable down to depth of 10 m. No power cable is needed for operation due to the internal rechargeable batteries.
- simultaneous determination of green algae, blue-green and diatoms
- no sampling or preparation
- rapid, portable operation
- result display on the instrument with internal memory
- EU WFD ecological status assessment
- restoration / rehabilitation projects
- environmental monitoring
- limnological work
- research and education
Instrument Functions
- start / stop of instrument
- access to all stored values
- online display of instrument via PC
- instrument settings: measurement time, interval, GPS on/off
- (re-)calibration of instrument
PC software functions
- read-out of data and parameters
- data retrieval and management
- graphic display of time
- data export to EXCEL and ASCII files
- GPS data export to e.g. Google Earth
