Hobbies And Interests
Algae
Algae is not a specific organism. It refers to a wide variety of small, waterborne organisms that can belong to any one of a number of plant families. Common traits are: small or microscopic size, living in water and the ability of photosynthesis. While algae occurs naturally and is beneficial and necessary in many environments, it can also become problematic and even disastrous.
Applications
Simple and inexpensive chemical tests can identify excess algae in swimming pools or fish tanks. Other applications require greater precision. For example, if scientists are studying potential effects of a manufacturing plant on nearby wetlands, they need a very precise means of monitoring and measuring water quality as well as the type and amount of algae.
Common Algae Problems
Spectrophotometry tends to be used on algae problems with a potentially significant financial or ecological impact. Common problems requiring spectrophotometric study include: increasing algae in municipal water systems, monitoring industrial holding tanks and monitoring the health of lakes and streams. Often, algae problems occur when something becomes out of balance. For example, fertilizer run-off or changes in natural shade on a pond.
Field Spectrophotometry
While precision algae detection has usually involved bringing samples to a lab, small, handheld spectrophotometers are becoming more common and less expensive. These technological advances can essentially bring the lab to the field for applications where intensive monitoring and analysis are required.