The Flanders Environment Agency (VMM) has taken delivery of a number of Chelsea Technologies‘ ALGAE-Wader Pro systems to assist in their work in assessing algae levels within the water environments in Belgium. CTG’s representatives within the Benelux countries, Notra BV, assisted in arranging the demonstrations and the subsequent supply.
The CTG Algae-Wader Pro system was chosen after successful demonstrations within the swimming lake at Blaarmeersen Sports and Recreation Park. This is a typical example of the sites that will be monitored for algae concentrations. A VMM spokesman stated “If these sensors show too high a cyan chlorophyll content and microscopic analysis shows that these are toxic species, the necessary measures will be taken to protect the public.”
The systems supplied to VMM are configured for measurements of Chl-a, Phycocyanin and Phycoerythrin and come with a handheld unit which provides both graphical and digital real-time data to the operator, with Red, Amber, Green thresholding, and logs the data for post mission extraction. All data is both time and position stamped. The three channels provided by the CTG TriLux fluorometer within the system will allow the VMM to not only measure concentrations of Chl-a but also help inform on the group type of the algae present.
