EXO Calibration - Total Algae Phycocyanin

EXO Calibration - Total Algae Phycocyanin

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EXO Calibration - Total Algae Phycocyanin

This video covers the EXO Total Algae sensor calibration for Phycocyanin in RFU using Kor Software.

Timestamps of specific moments of the video

  • 0:00 – Overview
  • 0:44 – Calibration Point 1
  • 2:29 – Calibration Point 2

Video Transcript

In this video, we will calibrate the EXO Total Algae sensor for Phycocyanin in RFU. You can also use the EXO Handheld or Kor Mobile App.

Just a reminder, the Total Algae sensor can measure both chlorophyll and either Phycocyanin or Phycoerythrin. For instructions on calibrating chlorophyll, please make sure to check out that video!

We are starting with our Total Algae sensor installed, as well as a Conductivity/Temperature sensor since the Total Algae sensor is temperature-dependent.

For best practices, we suggest using a dedicated cup, guard, and wiper brush just for calibration to limit contamination.

We recommend performing a two-point calibration. You want to use distilled or Deionized water for the first point since neither have particles that will fluoresce.

We filled our calibration cup up to the first line from the bottom, and we want to make sure that our sensor is submerged. I like to give it a few taps just to make sure there are no bubbles on the sensor face. If you have a clean wiper, you may also use that to clear any air bubbles on the sensor lens.

In Kor, we will select Phycocyanin in RFU to calibrate. Kor Software will indicate if readings are stable in real time on this graph. Make sure the readings are near 0. Once the readings stabilize, we’ll click apply and proceed to the next calibration point. Click to add another cal point.

Since this a two-point cal, we’ll remove the sonde from the first standard and dry off the sensors and sensor guard. For the second calibration point, we’ve prepared a Rhodamine dye standard solution with a concentration of 625 ug/L. Please check out our video on mixing the Rhodamine Dye solution for information on standard preparation for this calibration. We’ll immerse the sensors in the standard solution and give it a few taps to clear the bubbles.

Make sure you use the table in the EXO manual to determine the relative RFU based on the temperature of the second calibration solution at the time of calibration. For this calibration, our solution is around 22 degrees Celsius, which is 16.0 RFU. We’ll make sure this number is in Kor.

We’ll want to wait for readings to stabilize before applying the calibration. Once the readings are stable, click apply.

Now you will see the calibration summary screen where you can redo or complete the calibration. I’ll choose to complete the calibration. If you prefer to measure in mg/L, refer back to these same steps and use the derived temperature-dependent standard value from the table in the manual. As a reminder, the Total Algae sensors are two sensors in one. Chlorophyll must be calibrated separately.

Please check out our other EXO University calibration videos, and thank you for watching.

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