Handheld Fluorometer Now Available for Phycocyanin Estimates Aiding in the Identification of HABs

摘要

Turner Designs (USA) now offers phycocyanin (PC) as an optical configuration of their FluoroSense handheld fluorometer to assist with identification of PC containing algae typically associated with Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs). Obtaining both PC and chlorophyll estimates helps in determining whether additional testing is required to check toxicity levels in a body of water. The FluoroSense is the smallest, easiest to use handheld fluorometer available. Its simple two-button keypad enables users to quickly power on the instrument and take a reading to estimate chlorophyll or PC in almost any aquatic habitat. There is no warm-up time required - chlorophyll or PC μg/L estimates are displayed in seconds. The FluoroSense plastic molded enclosure boasts an extremely lightweight, small, waterproof design, while offering a high degree of durability. With a very low power draw, the FluoroSense can take over 10,000 measurements on a single pair of AA batteries. Factory calibrated, the only maintenance required is simply rinsing after use. The PC FluoroSense can estimate phycocyanin concentrations spanning the linear range from 0-199μg/L and resolve down to 1μg/L of PC. Together with the chlorophyll FluoroSense, this is the ideal tool for quickly assessing pigment levels of algal blooms.