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Total Algae Sensors
YSI offers two Total Algae (TAL) sensor options. Both are dual-channel fluorescence sensors. The channels on the TAL-PC sensor
refer to two independent data sets: one results from a blue excitation beam that excites the chlorophyll a (Chl) molecule and the
second results from an orange excitation beam that excites the phycocyanin (PC) accessory pigment. TAL-PC sensors are typically
selected for monitoring freshwater cyanobacteria.
The TAL-PE sensor is similar in having a chlorophyll channel, but utilizes a slightly blueshifted beam that excites the pigment
phycoerythrin (PE). TAL-PE sensors are typically selected for monitoring marine cyanobacteria.
NOTE:
The ProDSS Total Algae Sensors (both PC & PE) must be used with the Extended Sensor Guard [Item# 626740]
which is sold separately.
Sensors, Calibration, and Maintenance
4.10
Specifications
Units
Chlorophyll
PC
PE
RFU, µg/L Chl
RFU, µg/L PC
RFU, µg/L PE
Temperature
Operating
Storage
-5 to +50°C
-20 to +80°C
Range
Chl:
0-100 RFU
,
0-400 µg/L Chl*;
PC:
0-100 RFU, 0-100 µg/L*;
PE:
0-100 RFU, 0-280 µg/L*
Response
T63<2 sec
Resolution
Chl:
0.01 RFU, 0.01 µg/L Chl;
PC:
0.01 RFU, 0.01 µg/L;
PE:
0.01 RFU, 0.01 µg/L
Sensor Type
Optical, fluorescence
Linearity
Chl:
R
2
>0.999 for serial dilution of Rhodamine WT
solution from 0-400 µg/L Chl equivalents
PC:
R
2
>0.999 for serial dilution of Rhodamine WT
solution from 0-100 µg/L PC equivalents;
PE:
R
2
>0.999 for serial dilution of Rhodamine WT
solution from 0-280 µg/L PE equivalents
Optics:
Chl Excitation
.
470±15 nm
PC Excitation
590±15 nm
PE Excitation
525±15 nm
Emission
685±20 nm
*Pigment concentration ranges of algae sensors were determined in
monocultures of specific algae species. This range will vary depending on
algae assemblage and environmental conditions. The best accuracy of pigment
measurements can be obtained by user-built correlations between RFU and
pigment concentrations measured by an independent method, and using
samples from the site or sites of interest with representative algal populations.