UCSC Uses Turner Designs Instrumentation for Algal Ecophysiology Research

Parameters: Chlorophyll

My lab works on algal ecophysiology, and in particular the interactions of nutrients and photosynthetic pathways for controlling productivity and species composition. We're currently involved in 4 major projects sponsored by NASA, NOAA, and NSF, ranging from monitoring productivity and harmful algal blooms in central California to the upcoming Iron Ex III Southern Ocean experiment. We routinely use several Turner Designs fluorometers (TD-700, 10-AU, SCUFA®) for both laboratory and field applications. We have recently been testing the multi-pigment (a,b,c, phaeo a) method on the TD-700 as part of a cruise from California to Peru, and are also switching from the phenol-hypochlorite method to the Ammonium Optical Kit (P/N 7000-960), using the TD-700 for all of our ammonium measurements. This is a great example of the versatility of the Turner Designs instruments, which we can use for multiple applications with very few modifications. We have also been testing the SCUFA® sensor in San Francisco Bay, and are very pleased with the auto-ranging function and the combined fluorometer/turbidity sensors. Similar fluorometers from other companies must be hard-wired to set the gain, a major disadvantage in coastal waters.

Institution: University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, USA