SUNNYVALE, CA, June 12, 2015 -- The United States Coast Guard Research Development Center (USCG RDC) and United States Maritime Administration (MARAD) have co-sponsored a validation study of the effectiveness of variable fluorescence-based instruments as compliance tools for ballast water checks. The study began on Monday, June 1, in Key West, Fla.
Blind testing of field and lab samples will be conducted through September, 2015, at three different sites in the United States. Pam Mayerfeld, Turner Designs vice president of Marketing and Sales, provided initial training on the company's Ballast-Check-2 Handheld PAM Fluorometer and then stepped back to observe as the scientists proceeded to do the testing.
"I am very impressed with their detailed preparation for the study," said Mayerfield. "They fully defined all sampling protocols and cell-counting methods. They're looking at several different natural waters as well as algal monocultures with known interferences. They have an array of forms in place so data will be collected consistently across the three sites. We are very excited to be part of this validation and anxious to see the results."
The Turner Designs Ballast-Check-2 is one of three fluorometers included in the validation study and is a small, lightweight, highly durable, battery-operated PAM fluorometer. It is ideal for quick indicative compliance checks of the ballast water regulation for living algal organisms in the 10-50µm size class. Factory set, the Ballast-Check-2 is ready for use right out of the box, no calibration is necessary, though a calibration check standard is included for confirmation.
Accordingly, simple one-button measurements display estimates of both algal abundance and algal activity, providing a quick indication of risk for gross exceedance of the regulation. Results are displayed in less than one minute and are logged internally for future downloading.
See also:
"Ballast market to stay buoyant for water treatment"
"U.S. Coast Guard grants AMS acceptance for ballast water treatment system"
About Turner Designs
Turner Designs provides innovative fluorescence-based solutions for basic research, water quality analysis, pollution control analysis, and industrial applications. The company's focus has been fluorimetry for over 40 years and we have worldwide distribution of fluorescence instrumentation. Turner Designs is known for rugged, reliable and stable submersible, field, handheld, laboratory, and in-line fluorometers and turbidimeters, varying in functionality, size, and price. It provides pre-sales support to identify instrument requirements and post-sales support to assist with implementation. For more information, visit www.turnerdesigns.com.
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