Submitted by Anonymous on Mon, 12/14/2009 - 14:57
Forums
Dissolved Organic Matter in Antarctica
   Hi, I was curious how accurate the fluorometer is. Thanks!
Tue, 12/15/2009 - 17:30

Sarah Diers

Hello, I asked Mike and Collin for a little help in answering your question about fluorometer accuracy. From their explanation, what I understand is that they check the accuracy of the fluorometer daily. To do this they test "blanks," before they test samples of collected water. A "blank" is a known volume of a known substance that is expected to yield the exact same results at the end of every test. If the blank does not yield the expected results, the fluorometer is modified and the blank retested until Mike and Collin receive the desired results. In addition, the lamp within the fluorometer is tested daily to make sure it is emitting light of the correct wavelength. If the wavelength of the light is too long, or too short, there are additional adjustments that Mike and Collin make to the fluorometer. Once the blanks and the lamp are tested and all is okay, the samples of collected water are good to go! Then, it is acknowledged that the results of the tested samples are correct.Thanks for the great question!Keep Cool, Sarah