Bioluminescent Algae Measurement

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EnzoD
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Joined: Mon Sep 26, 2016 5:20 am
Occupation: Student

Bioluminescent Algae Measurement

Post by EnzoD »

For a science experiment, I am going to measure the amount of light given off by the algae. I need to use a tool to measure it, such as a photometer. I have found a photometer on the internet that has a range of 1-50,000 Lux.
Would it be able to pick up the light from the algae? Or should I find a more sensitive one.
pswiatko
Expert
Posts: 82
Joined: Wed Aug 31, 2016 11:06 am
Occupation: Other Adult

Re: Bioluminescent Algae Measurement

Post by pswiatko »

Hi EnzoD!

Thank you for using the forum!

Do you happen to know what wavelength the photometer you are referring to operates in? When talking about light emission measurements in science, we usually refer to the wavelength of the emitted light. Do you happen to know what wavelength you want to measure? Below I'm attaching a reference from NASA that describes pretty well light wavelengths and colors.

http://science-edu.larc.nasa.gov/EDDOCS ... olors.html

Thank you again,

Peter S.
EnzoD
Posts: 2
Joined: Mon Sep 26, 2016 5:20 am
Occupation: Student

Re: Bioluminescent Algae Measurement

Post by EnzoD »

This is the photometer: http://www.idiytool.com/wholesale/lux-d ... aQodAZYG5g

If I were to use a photometer, what type would I need? What wavelength.
jcschrandt
Former Expert
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Joined: Mon Jan 04, 2016 3:33 pm
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Re: Bioluminescent Algae Measurement

Post by jcschrandt »

Hi, EnzoD! Are you referring to this project? https://www.sciencebuddies.org/science- ... p033.shtml

I've been having some difficulty finding a range of how much light is produced by bioluminescent algae. So I'm not sure if the photometer you're mentioning is sensitive enough. However, I did come across this article on ScienceBuddies: https://www.sciencebuddies.org/science- ... #procedure . I'm not sure if it helps. I'll see if any of the other experts can weigh in on this.

Best regards,
Jen
pswiatko
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Joined: Wed Aug 31, 2016 11:06 am
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Re: Bioluminescent Algae Measurement

Post by pswiatko »

Hi EnzoD,

So I think the photometer you're thinking about measures only visible light. You'll need something that measures fluorescent light.

You'll need a sensor that will measure in the 540-600nm range.


Peter S.
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