FluoroProbe

Yellow Substances and automatic Turbidity Correction

The chlorophyll measuring instrument with algae class differentiation

The bbe FluoroProbe is a highly sensitive measuring instrument for the analysis of chlorophyll with algae class determination. Individual profiles during the measurements are taken for green algae, blue-green algae/cyanobacteria, diatoms/dinoflagellates and cryptophytes (others can be added e.g. Planktothrix rubescens)

This enables the analysis of the occurrence and distribution of e.g. blue-green algae on site without the necessity of the laboratory. Possible interferences due to yellow substances are eliminated by an integrated CDOM correction factor.

Chlorophyll in vivo measurement can be affected by particulate matter in the water body. Therefore a correction is essential when the turbidity is too high. The bbe FluoroProbe with the optional transmission sensor provides automatic turbidity correction using the latest bbe++ software extension. Turbidity correction with the FluoroProbe makes chlorophyll determination even more reliable.

The bbe FluoroProbe can quickly and reliably determine the chlorophyll content of different algae classes down to a depth of 100m (optionally 200 m). The measurement data can be displayed in real time on a PC or be stored in the probe for subsequent evaluation.

Measurement principle

The fluorescence of algae (emission at approx. 700nm wavelength) due to excitation by visible light mainly depends on the presence of chlorophyll-a, a 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 result in a special excitation spectrum for the taxonomical 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. The fingerprints of four algae classes and of yellow substances are already stored in the FluoroProbe. Special user-defined fingerprints can also be added.

NEW! Add-on sensors for measurement of oxygen, conductivity, pH

Features & Informations

Advantages of the FluoroProbe

determination of green algae, blue-green algae (cyanobacteria), diatoms and cryptophytes
up to 4 other algae classes can be calibrated by the user
up to 4 measurements per second
yellow substances correction and compensation of interferences by UV-LED
turbidity correction
reduces the number of required microscopic laboratory examinations
internal rechargeable batteries
internal datalogger
PC software for data analysis
options: temperature measurement, transmission measurement

Applications

environmental monitoring
early warning system for algae blooms in limnological and marine waterways
bathing water monitoring of blue-green algae (cyanobacteria)
drinking water monitoring of (toxic) blue-green algae
pre-warning of the occurrence of poisonous algae (e.g. cyanobacteria toxins)
detection of chlorophyll and other pigments such as phycocyanine and phycoerythrine, fucoxanthine and peridinine
aquaculture monitoring
dam monitoring
algae distribution in the Arctic/Antarctic
oceanographic research
mooring, experiments, continuous analysis
limnological research
research and teaching
tracer measurements

Software

The bbe FluoroProbe software supplied with the instrument 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 software.

The screenshots below show examples of 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 was 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 deeper level due to adaptation to the current nutrient level.

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

Hydro-Wiper unit to prevent biofouling

The FluoroProbe can now be operated on moored platforms, submersed from buoys or fixed measuring stations using the Hydro-Wiper (made by Zebra-Tech Ltd, NZ). The wiper brushes can be set to periodically clean the lenses of the measuring chamber to remove biofilms and dirt which builds up over long periods of operation.

2 operating modes

The Mobile Submersible Probe:
Fast and flexible chlorophyll concentration and algae class determination throughout a body of water

Laboratory Operation with a Workstation 25:
A workstation for 25ml glass cuvettes with a stirrer unit is available for laboratory operation. For more information, please see Ordering Info.

Applications

Software showing concentration of algae classes

Technical specification of our FluoroProbe

Description	Value
Measurands	total chlorophyll [µg chl-a/l] concentration of green algae [µg chl-a/l] concentration of cyanobacteria [µg chl-a/l] concentration of diatoms/brown algae [µg chl-a/l] concentration of cryptophytes [µg chl-a/l] fingerprints of classes/species, also user-defined (e.g. Planktothrix rubescens) [µg chl-a/l] yellow substances depth temperature (optional) transmission (optional)
Chlorophyll	0 - 500 µg chl-a/l
Resolution	0.01 µg chl-a/l
Transmission	0 - 100%
Temperature	Sample: -2 - 40°C / Environment: -2 - 40°C
Housing material	reinforced polyamid / V4A steel
Weight	6.4 kg (7.2 kg with lightshield)
Dimensions (H x D)	450 x 140 mm (incl. light shield)
Voltage	24 V (online FP can also be powered with 12V)
Battery capacity	3900 mA h
Operating time	continuously up to 10 h; interval up to 30 days
Memory capacity	2 GB memory card, 10 million datasets
Interfaces	RS485
Maximal diving depth	0 - 100 m (standard) 0 - 200 m (extended range)
Accessories	hard plastic case power supply protection cap USB adapter USB stick manual software
Options	Temperature measurement Transmission measurement (turbidity) Cable lengths of 2, 5, 10, 20, 30, 50 and 100m Workstation 25 (benchtop holder) Wydro-Wiper Unit Flow-Through Unit Protective Cage SDI-12 with bbe converter

Subject to alteration!

Available variants of the FluoroProbe

FluoroProbe - 100m (200m)

Item number: BG0035.0000

A submersible spectrofluorometer for measurement of chlorophyll content in water (total content) and quantitative determination of different algae classes incl. pressure sensor, Yellow Substances sensor, internal datalogger and internal rechargeable batteries.

for the measurement of marine microalgae, freshwater microalgae, nanoplankton, picoplankton, CDOM/yellow substances
with improved algae class differentiation and signal/noise ratio
for long-term measurement with energy-saving option

Principle of measurement:

determination of prompt fluorescence for the measurement of chlorophyll-a
determination of depth with pressure sensor

Measurement range:

0-500 µg chlorophyll-a/l
high resolution 0.01 µg/l

Controller:

internal microcontroller
battery-buffered memory

bbe software:

software chlorophyll determination & algae differentiation

Operation:

laptop PC or optional BlueTooth handheld

Housing:

reinforced plastic / V4A Steel
resistant to water pressures at 100m depth (adjustment of depth of 200m possible)

Extras:

2 GB memory card for over 10 mio. datasets
USB connection

Request a quote

FluoroProbe - online

Item number: BG0355.0000

This version is created for longterm measurements. It has no batteries included and therefore need a direct power supply.

for the measurement of marine microalgae, freshwater microalgae, nanoplankton, picoplankton, CDOM/yellow substances
with improved algae class differentiation and signal/noise ratio
for long-term measurement

Principle of measurement:

determination of prompt fluorescence for the measurement of chlorophyll-a
determination of depth with pressure sensor

Measurement range:

0-200 µg chlorophyll-a/l
high resolution 0.01 µg/l

Controller:

internal microcontroller
battery-buffered memory

bbe software:

software chlorophyll determination & algae differentiation

Operation:

for longterm measurement on buoy or monitoring station with direct power supply

Housing:

reinforced plastic / V4A Steel
resistant to water pressures at 100m depth (adjustment of depth of 300m possible)

Extras:

2 GB memory card for over 10 mio. datasets
USB connection

Request a quote

FluoroProbe - titan

Item number: BG0038.0000

This version is made for the operation in salt water. The metal parts are protected against corrosion.

A submersible spectrofluorometer for measurement of chlorophyll content in water (total content) and quantitative determination of different algae classes incl. pressure sensor, Gelbstoff sensor, internal datalogger, internal rechargeable batteries and external charger for batteries.

for the measurement of marine microalgae, freshwater microalgae, nanoplankton, picoplankton, CDOM/yellow substances
with improved algae class differentiation and signal/noise ratio
for long-term measurement with energy-saving option

Principle of measurement:

determination of prompt fluorescence for the measurement of chlorophyll-a
determination of depth with pressure sensor

Measurement range:

0-200 µg chlorophyll-a/l
high resolution 0.01 µg/l

Controller:

internal microcontroller
battery-buffered memory

bbe software:

software chlorophyll determination & algae differentiation

Operation:

laptop PC or optional BlueTooth handheld

Housing:

Reinforced plastic / titanium
resistant to water pressures at 100m depth (adjustment of depth of 300m possible)

Extras:

2 GB memory card for over 10 mio. datasets
USB connection

Request a quote

FluoroProbe - titan online

Item number: BG0380.0000

This version is made for the operation in salt water. The metal parts are protected against corrosion.

This version is created for longterm measurements. It has no batteries included and therefore need a direct power supply.

A submersible spectrofluorometer for measurement of chlorophyll content in water (total content) and quantitative determination of different algae classes incl. pressure sensor, Gelbstoff sensor, internal datalogger, internal rechargeable batteries and external charger for batteries.

for the measurement of marine microalgae, freshwater microalgae, nanoplankton, picoplankton, CDOM/yellow substances
with improved algae class differentiation and signal/noise ratio
for long-term measurement with energy-saving option

Principle of measurement:

determination of prompt fluorescence for the measurement of chlorophyll-a
determination of depth with pressure sensor

Measurement range:

0-200 µg chlorophyll-a/l
high resolution 0.01 µg/l

Controller:

internal microcontroller
battery-buffered memory

bbe software:

software chlorophyll determination & algae differentiation

Operation:

laptop PC or optional BlueTooth handheld

Housing:

reinforced plastic / titanium
resistant to water pressures at 100m depth (adjustment of depth of 300m possible)

Extras:

2 GB memory card for over 10 mio. datasets
USB connection

Request a quote

FluoroProbe - AddOn

Item number: BG0303.0000

The FluoroProbe for add-ons is designed for the connection of a Multiparameterprobe (pH, conductivity, oxygen) or a single Oxygensensor with a second plug in the closure head.

Details of Multiparameter probe:

Sensor	Range	Resolution	Accuracy
pH	0-14	0.01	± 0.1
DO	0-45 mg/l	0.02 mg/l	± 0.4 mg/l
DO %	0-200 % O2	0.03 % O2	± 0.1 % O2
C	0 – 5000 μS/cm	0.1 μS/cm	± 0.1 %

Details of Oxygen sensor:

Sensor	Range	Resolution	Accuracy
DO	0-45 mg/l	0.02 mg/l	± 0.4 mg/l
	0-200 % O2	0.03 % O2	± 0.1 % O2

Request a quote

Available accessories for the FluoroProbe

Transmission sensor (FPIII)

Itemnumber: BG0030.0055

Transmission measurement at 700nm (value 0-100%).

Temperature Sensor (FPIII / PP)

Itemnumber: BG0030.0056

This sensor measures the water temperature while the probe is in use.

Autostart Plug for FP/PP

Item number: BG0030.0348

The autostart plug enables interval measurements with the FP III and the PhycoProbe submerged in the water without the use of a cable and PC.

BlueTooth-Adapter

BG0030.0340-A

The BlueTooth adapter can be connected to the upper end of the measuring cable so that the data can be transmitted wirelessly to a laptop or PC

Hydro-Wiper for FluoroProbe/PhycoProbe

Item number: BG0030.0204 (30m) / BG0030.0233 (100m)

The Hydro-Wiper has been developed for bbe by Zebra-Tech of New Zealand. It enables the instrument to remain submersed for longer periods of time without the need of being cleaned at regular intervals. The wiper brushes periodically clean the lenses of the measuring cell to remove and avoid the build-up of biofilms and dirt which can effect the accuracy of the measurements.

Workstation25 for FP and PP

Itemnumber: BG0030.0099/BG0030.0000

Workstation25 benchtop unit:

workstation to hold the 25ml cuvette/sensor in position (horizontal operation)
optically sealed cover
cuvette for 25 ml capacity (outer dimensions 70x30x30 mm)
optional: with incl. stirrer unit (BG0030.0000)

Underwater Cable for bbe FluoroProbe/PhycoProbe

Item number: BG0030.0196 - BG0030.0201

The new lighter, thinner and stiffer cables for the FluoroProbe III and PhycoProbe are available in standard lengths from 10 to 100 metres.

Lab cable 60cm

Shortest cable, only for data transfer and charging.

Cable reel with Bluetooth-adapter (for FP/PP-cables)

Item number: BG0030.0442

Up to 100m (50m) of cable can be transported more easily using this cable reel. (The measureing cable is not included)

The Bluetooth-adapter is stored in the small chamber at the front of the reel. The FluoroProbe/PhycoProbe is connected to the Bluetooth-adapter via the measureing cable. The data will be transmittet via Bluetooth to your PC or Laptop.

Protocoll Coverter SDI12 and serial

Itemnumber: BG0036.0900

Translates the measurement results from the bbe protocol to SDI12 etc.

position of switch:	bbe device:	protocol of data logger:
0	FluoroProbe	SDI-12
1	AlgaeGuard	EMC-1
2	AlgaeTorch	AOA-Protocol
3	AOA	SDI-12
4	AlgaeTorch	SDI-12
5	PhycoProbe	SDI-12
6	AlgaeTorch	EMC-1
7	AlgaeGuard	SDI-12

Dimensions: 16 x 9.5 x 5.5 cm, ~440g

Voltage: 100 – 240 V / 50 – 60 Hz (power supply unit)

Standard Utility Case vertical for FP

Itemnumber: BG0030.0053

The standard utility case has a tube inside onto which the probe is placed to stop it moving during transport thus preventing damage, e.g. from the sides of the case. The cables and accessories are placed around the tube so that everything is to hand in one transport case.

Dimensions: 500 X 500 X 600 (LXWXH)

Hard plastic carry case (for FP/PP-cables)

Item number: E15614

This thin hard plastic case is for the transport of FluoroProbe/PhycoProbe cables, without foam cut-out. Dimensions: 60 x 50 x 15 cm. Weight approx. 4 Kg.

Hard plastic carry case

Item number: E15615

This thick hard plastic case is for easy transport of the FluoroProbe or the PhycoProbe instrument, with foam cut-out for cable adapter and charger, and lid compartment for smaller accessories and the manual. Dimensions: 60 x 50 x 21. Weight: 5 Kg. Supplied free-of-charge with any new FluoroProbe.

Measuring Cylinder FluoroProbe/PhycoProbe

Item number: F0030.0069

The measuring cylinder can be used with a small amount of algae solution (approx. 3l).

Protective Cage for FP

Item number: F0030.0170

A steel cage to protect the FluoroProbe underwater from rocks, the quayside or the boat in rough seas or stormy weather. Weight approx. 5 Kg

USB cable connector (supplied with FP III /PP)

Itemnumber: BG0030.0173

A short USB cable for connection to a USB stick/flashdrive and download all data automatically.

RS 485/USB converter cable (supplied with FP/PP)

Itemnumber: BG0030.0103

The sensor works with a USB to RS 485 interface for the connection to the measuring PC.

Flow-Through Unit (FP/PP)

Item number: BG0030.0179

The Flow - Through unit is an add-on unit for the Fluoroprobe/PhycoProbe, which enables the instrument to use a defined flow of water for measurement underwater or in a measuring station. It is slid onto the outside of the FP/PP and screwed into place.

Downloads & Information about the FluoroProbe

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

Technical specification of our FluoroProbe

Available variants of the FluoroProbe

Available accessories for the FluoroProbe

Downloads & Information about the FluoroProbe

Catalogs & Brochures