AlgaeToximeter II

Online Biomonitoring Using Green Algae

An instrument for the fast and sensitive detection of toxic substances in water

The bbe AlgaeToximeter II continuously monitors water for the presence of toxic substances. Standardised algae are mixed with the sample water and the instrument detects the photosynthetic activity of the algae. Damage to the algae, caused e.g. by herbicides, causes a reduction in algae activity and activates an alarm above a pre-defined threshold.

The bbe AlgaeToximeter II also serves as a measuring instrument for the precise determination of algal concentrations in water. Algae group differentiation - applied to the sample water - enables  the quantitative allocation to different spectral algal classes. This measurement principle corresponds to that of bbe's tried and tested fluorometric instruments: the AlgaeOnlineAnalyser and AlgaeLabAnalyser.

The current version of the bbe AlgaeToximeter II works with a double test loop for sample incubation, short measuring intervals and a PC for online data analysis, which optionally allows a high temporal resolution of the water to be monitored. An alternative version of the AlgaeToximeter enables the incubation of the sample within the measuring chamber without sample loops thus resulting in less maintenance with longer measurement cycles.

Principles of the bbe AlgaeToximeter II

The cultivation of the algae takes place in a fermenter, which is regulated "turbidostatically" by a second fluorescence measurement. This regulation ensures that the algae and their activity are maintained.

The measurement procedure requires the water samples be almost continually pumped into the bbe AlgaeToximeter II, in which the concentration and the activity of the naturally occurring algae are determined. A precisely defined amount of algae from the fermenter is then added to the measuring chamber by way of a loop. The activity of the added algae remains constant as long as no toxic substances are present. If any toxic substance is present, its interaction with the photosynthesis centre leads to an inhibition of algal activity. The dimensions of the inhibition can be estimated by comparing the algal activity with and without water sample.

After each measurement, the measuring chamber is automatically cleaned by a piston. This prevents the growth of algae and biofilms within the measuring chamber.

Measurements

  • direct chlorophyll fluorescence:
    corresponds to wet-chemical chlorophyll analysis
  • active chlorophyll fluorescence in the sample (Genty method):
    determines the percentage of active chlorophyll under illumination and serves as a toxicity measurement
  • differentiation of fluorometric algae classes:
    to simultaneously determine the content of chlorophyll according to green algae, blue-green algae, brown algae (diatoms and dinoflagellates) and cryptophytes
  • transmission:
    takes place automatically during each analysis and, if necessary, can be used to compensate the influence of substances which cause turbidity

Features & Informations

Advantages

  • highly sensitive with regard to the detection of herbicides and their by-products
  • sensitive to a wide range of toxic substances
  • controlled independent cultivation of algae
  • cultivation control due to active chlorophyll measurement
  • no exclusion period after alarm
  • anti-fouling system due to automatic cleaning of the measuring unit
  • autostart function after power failure
  • CE-sign

Applications

  • drinking water supply
  • dam monitoring
  • waterway analysis and assessment
  • general environmental assessment
  • intake monitoring
  • chemical analysis
  • limnological work
  • research and education

Software

The database software is used to record and analyse the data. The most important features are...

  • saving of data and parameters at any time
  • graphic display of all measurement values
  • online display in LAN
  • calibration of the instrument
  • parameterisation of the measurement
  • data export to EXCEL and to text files
  • print function
  • subsequent recalibration of algae classes
Fermenter and chlorophyll sensor - for water quality surveillance
Fermenter and chlorophyll sensor - for water quality surveillance

Technical specification of our AlgaeToximeter II

Description Value
Measurands
  • inhibition of photosynthesis
  • total chlorophyll [µg Chl-a/l]
  • concentration of green algae [µg Chl-a/l]
  • concentration of cyanobacteria [µg Chl-a/l]
  • concentration of diatoms [µg Chl-a/l]
  • concentration of cryptophytes [µg Chl-a/l]
  • yellow substances
  • photosynthetic activity (Genty)
  • transmission (at 5 wavelengths)
Inhibition 0 - 100%
Inhibition: Measurement procedure comparison of photosynthesis activity between sample and control
Chlorophyll 0 - 500 µg Chl-a/l
Chlorophyll: Measurement procedure spectral fluorometry
Resolution 0.05 µg Chl-a/l
Transmission 0 - 100% (for measurements max. 100 FTU)
Transmission: Measurement procedure photometry
Measuring chamber cleaning automatic cleaning piston
Housing material varnished steel plate
Weight 105 kg
Dimensions (H x W x D) 1100 x 600 x 680 mm
Protection class IP54
Mains supply 110/240V 50/60Hz
Power consumption 600 W
Temperature Sample: 0 - 30 °C / Environment: 10 - 28° C
Sample volume 30 ml
Maintenance interval > 7 days
Sample intake free intake/tube pump
OS Windows
Memory 256MB
Harddisk 40GB
Outputs
  • modem
  • LAN
  • analogue output 4-20 mA (2 X)
  • relay output (2 X)
  • RS232

Subject to alteration!

Available variants of the AlgaeToximeter II

AlgaeToximeter II 110V/60Hz

Item number: BG0206.0000

Algae monitor for the determination of toxic compounds in water and the measurement of chlorophyll content. The bbe AlgaeToximeter II is designed for continuous pollution control of the river water as part of an Early Warning Systems (EWS). The algae monitor is a stand-alone unit. The unit is able to exchange information with an external control system.

Principle of measurement:

  • inhibition of variable chlorophyll fluorescence from standardised algae produced by controlled internal fermenter

Measurements:

  • chlorophyll-a concentration
    (comparable to ISO 10 260, DIN 38 412)
  • living chlorophyll fluorescence
  • transmission of sample waters
  • determination of content of different algae classes (green algae, blue-green algae, brown algae and cryptophytes)

Cultivation:

  • standardised algae from continuous breeding in a fermenter according to the turbidostatic principle of chlorophyll-a activity-dependent adjustment
  • the regulation of breeding ensures continuous growth of algae under conditions of exponential reproduction.

Environmental requirements:

  • temperature range for operation 5-35°C
  • temperature range for storage 0-50°C
  • humidity < 95 %, no condensation
  • sunlight: no direct irradiation
  • reference water (non toxic mains water): 2l/h
  • min. cooling water volume 50 l/h

Algae monitor control:

  • PC, data-storage
  • automatic restart after power failure
  • algae monitor is prepared for integration into external control system
  • internal PC is designed to operate stand-alone applications
  • all data files can be stored in one directory on the computer of the algae monitor

Display:

  • integrated LCD display
  • all data are displayed in graphic form

Data output:

  • collected data (current and stored data) available via integrated PC

Operation:

  • instrument operation and parameter set-up
  • via integrated keyboard or external PC with
    RS 232

Sample:

  • 2 sample loops

Sample control:

  • time variable adaption (exposure time > 24 h)
  • stop/flow mode

Hydraulic connections:

  • sample inlet, sample outlet,
  • nutrient solution inlet 1 x tube connection, 4 mm int. diameter
  • outlet tube 2 x connection,4 mm int. diameter
  • inlet cooling water 2 x tube connection, 6 mm int. diameter

Water supply:

  • the algae monitor can be run continuously with 100 micron filtered river water, sample and reference water supply must be pressure-free

Easy to use:

  • low maintenance
  • easy cleaning
  • continuous illumination
  • tempering and nutrition solution supply

Software:

  • data documentation in compliance with GLP
  • protected data documentation, concise and open data evaluation, suitable for gradual access authorization of the user
  • control software with graphic desktop can be supplemented or modified with gradual access authorization of the user
  • compatible to Windows 2000
  • can be integrated into LAN network
  • remote control via modem
  • data export via RS 232 to MS EXCEL
  • pcAnywhere® for a 3-month data evaluation period

Alarm evaluation:

  • algorithms for the recognition of alarm situations
  • mathematical and statistical analysis
  • adjustable dynamic alarm thresholds
  • continuous measurement after alarm release

Operational space requirement:

  • to be provided for the nutrient solution canister (1x10 l nutrition stock) at the same level as instrument

Declaration of conformity:

  • European CE certification

Operating and maintenance instructions:

  • detailed operating manual, maintenance plan and technical manual in English

Installation on site:

  • if installation is ordered, bbe is responsible for installation on site and all installation work required for the algae monitoring system - with the exception of the water supply and drainage, civil works, electrical connections in the control room (e.g. power supply, connection to control communication system)

Assistance for the first year after installation:

  • help desk will provide off-site assistance within 72 hours, and answer questions about technical and process operations
  • on-site assistance available upon request
  • on-site assistance can be provided
Request a quote

AlgaeToximeter II 230V/50 Hz

Item number: BG0205.0000

A biomonitor for the determination of toxic compounds in water and the measurement of chlorophyll content. The bbe AlgaeToximeter II is designed for continuous pollution control of fresh and marine water as part of an Early Warning Systems (EWS). The algae monitor is a stand-alone unit. The unit is able to exchange information with an external control system.

Principle of measurement:

  • inhibition of variable chlorophyll fluorescence from standardised algae produced by controlled internal fermenter

Measurements:

  • chlorophyll-a concentration
  • (comparable to ISO 10 260, DIN 38 412)
  • living chlorophyll fluorescence
  • transmission of sample waters
  • determination of content of different algae classes (green algae, blue-green algae, brown algae and cryptophytes)

Cultivation:

  • standardised algae from continuous breeding in a fermenter according to the turbidostatic principle of chlorophyll-a activity-dependent adjustment
  • the regulation of breeding ensures continuous growth of algae under conditions of exponential reproduction

Size:

  • 1100 x 600 x 680 mm

Weight:

  • 160 Kg

Environmental requirements:

  • temperature range for operation 5-35°C
  • temperature range for storage 0-50°C
  • humidity < 95 %, no condensation
  • sunlight: no direct irradiation
  • reference water (non toxic mains water): 2l/h
  • min. cooling water volume 50 l/h

Control:

  • internal PC, data-storage
  • automatic re-start after power failure
  • algae monitor is prepared for integration into external control system
  • internal PC can operate as stand-alone application

Display:

  • integrated LCD display
  • all data are displayed in graphic form

Data output:

  • collected data (current and stored data) available via integrated PC

Operation:

  • instrument operation and parameter set-up via integrated keyboard or external PC with
    RS 232

Sample control:

  • time variable adaption (exposure time > 24 h)
  • stop/flow mode

Hydraulic connections:

  • sample inlet, sample outlet
  • nutrient solution inlet 1 x tube connection, 4 mm int. diameter
  • outlet tube 2 x connection,4 mm int. diameter
  • inlet cooling water 2 x tube connection, 6 mm int. diameter

Water supply:

  • the algae monitor can be run continuously with 100 micron filtered river water, sample and reference water supply must be pressure-free

Easy to use:

  • low maintenance
  • easy cleaning
  • continuous illumination
  • tempering and nutrition solution supply

Software:

  • data documentation in compliance with GLP
  • protected data documentation, concise and open data evaluation, suitable for gradual access authorization of the user
  • control software with graphic desktop can be supplemented or modified with gradual access authorisation of the user
  • compatible to Windows 2000/xp
  • can be integrated into LAN network
  • remote control via modem
  • data export via USB/RS 232 to MS EXCEL
  • pcAnywhere optional

Alarm evaluation:

  • algorithms for the recognition of alarm situations
  • mathematical and statistical analysis
  • adjustable dynamic alarm thresholds
  • continuous measurement after alarm release

Operational space requirement:

  • to be provided for the nutrient solution canister (1x10 l nutrition stock) at the same level as instrument

Declaration of conformity:

  • European CE certification

Operating and maintenance instructions:

  • detailed operating manual, maintenance plan and technical manual in English

Installation on site:

  • if installation is ordered, bbe is responsible for installation on site and all installation work required for the algae monitoring system - with the exception of the water supply and drainage, civil works, electrical connections in the control room (e.g. power supply, connection to control communication system)

Assistance for the first year after installation:

  • help desk will provide off-site assistance within 72 hours, and answer questions about technical and process operations
  • on-site assistance available upon request
  • on-site assistance can be provided
Request a quote

Available accessories for the AlgaeToximeter II

Plankton Reactor 230V/50Hz / 115V/60Hz (ATox/DTox)

Item number: BG0024.0000 / BG0027.0000

  • light reactor
  • air pump
  • timer (to control the duration of light on/off)
  • canister to collect nutrient solution and one set of chemicals to make nutrient solution

Downloads & Information about the AlgaeToximeter II

Manuals, software and further informations for this product may be available in the internal area for registered users.