BACTI-Station and BACTI-Station Pro: Provide real-time measurements for assessing bacteria levels

CTG’s BACTI-Station and BACTI-Station Pro systems allow laboratory managers, process scientists and engineers to assess real-time levels of bacteria in water systems. This is achieved by detecting UV Tryptophan fluorescence, which has been shown to correlate with bacterial levels.

The BACTI-Station comprises of a CTG UviLux fluorometer and a Watchkeeper wall mounted data display and logger. CTG’s UviLux fluorometers detect UV fluorescence with industry- leading sensitivity and selectivity and have been optimised for minimal interference from water turbidity.  Data is displayed on the Watchkeeper’s colour touchscreen and is logged internally. Up to three 4 - 20mA outputs are provided for data transmission.

CTG’s BACTI-Station and BACTI-Station Pro detect UV fluorescence from amino acids and organic matter associated with the presence of bacteria. These compounds absorb UV light and re-emit a fraction of this energy as fluorescence at longer wavelengths. Fluorescence intensity is directly proportional to concentration. The technique is widely recognised as one of the most sensitive detection methods available.

Tryptophan is an essential amino acid in the human diet and is the main component of protein fluorescence. Recent work has indicated that Tryptophan fluorescence can be used to assess bacterial levels, which in environmental waters will often arise from faecal/sewage contamination. Therefore, high levels of Tryptophan fluorescence will alert to when sewage impacts on water quality, for example when monitoring Bathing Waters.