What is the quickest and best way to check nutrient levels? Would Ion selective electrodes be a good idea? and if so, which would be the best ones to buy? I want to measure the entire nutrient profile, not just one at a time.

7 Answers

1. 

   cleangrow 1 year ago #

   The best sensors to use are solid state sensors, but they should be true solid state sensors, not gel/polymer.
   They should have a built in reference electrode also solid state.
   
   This means there will be no or little maintenance required and will make the whole process much simpler and more cost effective
   
   CleanGrow make solid state carbon nano tube sensors that are miniaturizabe also, so up to 6 separate sensors can be combined in one probe. http://www.cleangrow.com
   Source(s):
   http://www.cleangrow.com

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2. 

   gaya3 1 year ago #

   Flurometry is a good technique where you need not extract too much of culture volume or waste water. The technique allows one to test the effects of nutrient and environmental conditions on the algal growth after it attains maximal levels. I am not sure about the ion selective electrode usage.

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3. 

   akshaya 1 year ago #

   Hope this link is of some use to you: http://www.laboratoryequipment.com/article-measuring-nutrients-in-water-and.aspx

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4. 

   franc 1 year ago #

   Texas AgriLife Research, a wing of the Texas A&M UNIVERSITY has developed an optical sensor which can monitor the algae growth in real time. The sensor sends a beam of energy to the algae and receives the multiple wavelengths received from the algae culture.

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5. 

   algaesmiles 1 year ago #

   Please tr contacting these people - http://www.expellerindia.com/contact.htm

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6. 

   electrochemistry 1 year ago #

   Leyla,
   The Horiba Model B-343, a small pocket size nitrate meter which is inexpensive and very easy to use also measures nitrate as nitrogen. We also have these small meters available for pH, conductivity, potassium, sodium and calcium. Only a few drops of sample are needed and these meters can be used to measure solid as well as liquid samples. Our Americas headquarters is based in Irvine California, phone 800-446-7422. Please contact us if you would like more information. http://www.horiba.com/us/electrochemistry/

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7. 

   carboncannibal 1 year ago #

   Thank all of you for the great comments and industrial leads....they are a big help.
   
   CC

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