Chinese Academy of Sciences Developed Algae Growth Potential Meter

The reporter learned from the Hefei Institute of Materials Research of the Chinese Academy of Sciences on the 25th that the Institute of Optics and Fine Mechanics of Anhui Province successfully developed the Algae Photosynthesis Active In-situ Measurement Instrument. This achievement has for the first time achieved the “growth potential” of algae in China – long-term on-line monitoring of photosynthesis activity is of great significance to the early warning of blue-green algae.

This achievement has recently passed the expert appraisal organized by the Science and Technology Department of Anhui Province.

In recent years, the eutrophication of large-scale lakes and reservoirs in China has become increasingly serious. In the summer, blue-green algae blooms continue to occur at high frequency. How to prevent and control blue-green algae outbreaks has attracted wide public attention.

Zhao Nan, a researcher at the Anguang Institute of Chinese Academy of Sciences, said that the algal photosynthetic activity directly reflects the potential of algae growth. In layman's terms, it is the “growth potential” of algae. "Algae photosynthesis active in situ measuring instrument" uses laser diodes and LEDs as excitation light sources to achieve fluorescence excitation of algae under different physiological conditions by controlling different light intensities. The instrument acquires these fluorescence intensity data and analyzes them to characterize algae The ability of photosynthesis to determine its growth trend.

“The cyanobacteria will not break out, and it is related to the concentration and growth potential. If the high concentration of cyanobacteria is already in decline, there is no need to worry about further development; even if the concentration is not high, the ‘growth potential’ will be greater The possibility is rather great," Zhao Nanjing said.

The research results have the characteristics of small size, good stability, fast response, high sensitivity and high degree of automation, and can be used for long-term continuous on-line monitoring of algae in lakes, reservoirs, rivers, and water sources. It has important practical value for timely and accurate control of the information on changes in the water environment of China's lakes, enhancing the ability to forecast water bloom disasters, ensuring the safety of drinking water, and reducing the losses caused by water bloom disasters. It can also make important decisions for the development of a protective water environment. Long-term planning provides timely, accurate and reliable monitoring data and technical support.

It is understood that the current set of equipment has been operating in Chaohu.