Environmental Analysis & Electrochemistry
Soil Nutrient Analysis Underpins Environmental Research
West Virginia University in the Unites States is using a Seal Analytical AQ300 instrument in research projects seeking to increase the yield of bioenergy crops and investigate the effects of acid rain on high value trees in Appalachia.
Seal Analytical’s automated analysers are commonly employed for inorganic nutrient analysis in laboratories around the world. Most frequently this work involves the measurement of nutrient transport in water, but soil is an equally important medium for nutrient accumulation. Soil ecosystems rely on the complex microbial communities that metabolise organic material into bioavailable nutrients.
Dr Zac Freedman’s research uses a combination of classical microbiological methods as well as state-of-the-art chemical and molecular techniques to investigate the impacts of environmental change on the structure and function of microbial communities in terrestrial ecosystems.
Having conducted his postdoctoral research in another environmental microbiology lab at the University of Michigan School of Natural Resources and Environment, Dr Freedman became acquainted with the Seal Analytical AQ2 Analyser. After joining the faculty at West Virginia University and starting his own laboratory, he selected the Seal AQ300 as a familiar and reliable workhorse in nutrient analysis.
In one ongoing project from Dr Freedman’s lab, the goal is to determine whether plant-soil-microbe interactions can be leveraged to improve the yield of the popular bioenergy crop, Miscanthus X giganteus, on reclaimed mine sites. For this project, the lab utilises the Seal AQ300 to assess soil nitrogen, phosphorus and carbon pools to complement microbial activity data and predict how microbial nutrient cycling is impacted by different reclamation strategies and soil amendments. This is important because in soil, the microbial cycling of nitrogen, phosphorous and carbon are needed to unlock these nutrients from decaying organic matter in order to maximise soil productivity.
In another project, the lab is investigating whether reductions in acid rain are driving the reduced growth of Black Cherry (Prunus serotina) trees, which are of high value in Central Appalachian forests. The lab is using the AQ300 to test the availability of soil nitrogen and sulphur in association with microbiome characterisations. This project will help determine whether changes in air quality across the region, following the passage of the Clean Air Act, are altering the soil’s chemical and biological conditions.
More information online:
ilmt.co/PL/33Q0 49296pr@reply-direct.com
New Photobioreactor Launched at AlgalBBB
At the 9th International Conference on Algal Biomass, Biofuels and Bioproducts (AlgalBBB 2019), Algenuity launched the Algem HT24 photobioreactor. AlgalBBB covers all areas of emerging algal technology, placing a major emphasis on the latest unpublished technical and scientific results, along with discussion and direct interactions with strategic partners, funding sponsors, and leaders in the field.
The Algem HT24 is a compact, computer-controlled photobioreactor for microalgae research. It comprises 24 separate reactors - each independently controlled and monitored - enabling the highest throughput of strain, culture media, and growth condition variance commercially available. Precisely calibrated, white LEDs provide maximum flexibility with light intensity and diurnal light cycle (light/dark periods) control, while the fully enclosed design eliminates contamination from unwanted light (optional red LEDs available), raising the standards of your algae cultivation and improving your data accuracy and reproducibility.
The Algem HT24 also features the company’s own custom-designed Algenious® user interface that displays the acquisition of all major parameters simultaneously in real time. The software is highly intuitive and features advanced capabilities that support even the most demanding research requirements.
Find out more about the Algem HT24 and change the way you think about growing algae. More information online:
ilmt.co/PL/kR3r
49548pr@reply-direct.com
Versatile Waterproof Meter Measures pH, EC and DO
For scientists and professionals who require precision in the field or on the production floor, the HI98199 from Hanna Instruments is a versatile meter that can monitor pH, EC, and DO when paired with the respective probe. Hanna’s pH probe is included with the HI98199 and the EC and DO probes can be ordered separately. Each digital probe features Hanna’s Quick Connect DIN connector and the included carrying case contains all the accessories necessary to start taking pH measurements.
The HI98199 features a backlit graphic LCD with on-screen help and the capability to display multiple parameters simultaneously. The use of virtual keys to provides for an intuitive user interface.
HI98199 is enclosed in an IP67 rated waterproof casing and can withstand immersion in water at a depth of 1 m for up to 30 minutes. The probes feature an IP68 rating for continuous immersion in water.
pH, EC, and DO probes feature a Quick Connect DIN connector that makes a waterproof connection with the meter. The probe and meter automatically recognise the sensors that are connected.
The HI98199 allows users to store up to 45,000 continuous or log-on-demand samples with logging intervals from one second to three hours. HI98199 includes a GLP feature that allows users to view calibration data and calibration expiration information at the touch of a key. Calibration data includes date, time, buffers/standards used for calibration, and slope characteristics. Logged data can be transferred to a Window’s compatible PC with the included micro USB cable and Hanna software.
The meter displays a battery icon indicator to show the remaining power. The meter uses four 1.5V AA batteries that provide up to 360 hours of battery life. Each probe transmits readings digitally to the meter, where data points can be displayed and logged.
The HI98199 allows for the measurement of pH and temperature when used with the included HI829113 digital pH probe. The HI98199 allows for the measurement of conductivity, TDS (total dissolved solids), Resistivity, Salinity, seawater σ, and temperature when used with the optional HI763093 digital EC probe. The HI98199 allows for the measurement of dissolved oxygen, atmospheric pressure, and temperature when used with the optional HI764103 digital DO probe.
More information online:
ilmt.co/PL/6LDQ 49045pr@reply-direct.com
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