Scientific tools are available to measure the amount of algae in bodies of water. Scientists use these tools to get baseline measurements and to measure algae blooms throughout the year. The measurements are necessary to detect potentially dangerous toxic chemicals, which are early warning signs of environmental change. Does this Spark an idea?
Fluoro Probe
A fluoro probe measures the chlorophyll content of different types of algae, including blue-green algae, green algae, diatoms and cryptophytes. The fluoro probe is a particularly useful tool because it measures these algae on site without the need for analysis in the lab. The flouro probe works to a depth of 300 feet.
Algae Toximeter
The algae toximeter measures the concentration of toxic algae chemicals in the water. The instrument reads the photosynthetic activity of algae to determine toxicity and whether or not the organisms have been damaged by herbicides. The algae toximeter is a large piece of equipment that scientists use in the lab.
Algae On-line Analyzer
The algae on-line analyzer gauges the different types of algae and produces a chart mapping the distribution in the tested water. The analyzer is a portable device that includes programmable alarm functions for high concentrations of specific species of algae.
Algae Torch
The algae torch is a small, portable tool that measures chlorophyll concentrations with LED lights that register the amount of fluorescence of the algae cells. The quality of fluorescence correlates with specific types of algae, while the intensity correlates to concentration. The algae torch also measures the turbidity of the water.
Tags: types algae, algae toximeter, different types, different types algae, measures chlorophyll