Water Quality Sensors

Hydrolab Blue Green Algae

The Hydrolab Blue Green Algae (BGA) Sensor is a high sensitivity optical sensor designed to measure cyanobacteria (blue green algae) concentrations in professional water quality monitoring applications. Blue green algae monitoring is critical for protecting drinking water supplies, recreational waters, and aquatic ecosystems, making the Hydrolab Blue Green Algae sensor an essential tool for early detection and ongoing assessment.

Factory integrated into the Hydrolab HL4 and HL7 multiparameter water quality meters, the Hydrolab Blue Green Algae sensor provides reliable, real-time measurements in rivers, lakes, reservoirs, and water storage systems. Its robust optical design ensures dependable performance in both short-term field surveys and long term unattended monitoring deployments.

SENSOR COMPATIBILITY

The Hydrolab Blue Green Algae (BGA) Sensor is factory integrated into the following Hydrolab water quality meters:

• Hydrolab HL4
• Hydrolab HL7

Factory integration ensures seamless communication with the sonde and accurate BGA measurement alongside other critical water quality parameters.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

The Hydrolab Blue Green Algae Sensor uses optical fluorescence technology to detect cyanobacteria concentrations with high sensitivity and stability.

Parameters
• Phycocynian (fresh water)
• Phycoerythrin (marine water)
• µg/L, ppb, volts, RFU*

Range
• 0 – 40,000ppb (Phycocynian)
• 0 – 750ppb (Phycoerythrin)

Resolution
• 0.02ppb (Phycocynian)
• 0.01ppb (Phycoerythrin)

Linearity
• R² = 0.999 (Phycocynian)
• R² = 0.9999 (Phycoerythrin)

MDL ppb
• 0.06 (Phycocynian)
• 0.08 (Phycoerythrin)

MDL RFU
• 0.0002 (Phycocynian)
• 0.00026 (Phycoerythrin)

Depth Range
• 200m

Operating Temperature
-5°C to +50°C

Phycocynian Sensor Construction
• HL4 Stainless Steel
• HL7 Stainless Steel

Phycoerythrin Sensor Construction
• HL4 Stainless Steel
• HL7 Stainless Steel
• HL7 Titanium

*Note: RFU is 0 – 100 based on the full detection range of the sensor

WHY MEASURE BLUE GREEN ALGAE?

Blue green algae (cyanobacteria) can produce toxins harmful to humans, animals, and aquatic ecosystems. Monitoring cyanobacteria levels is essential for early warning of harmful algal blooms (HABs), allowing timely management actions to reduce risks to drinking water supplies, recreational areas, and environmental health.

The Hydrolab Blue Green Algae sensor provides rapid, real-time insight into cyanobacterial activity, supporting proactive water management, regulatory compliance, and public safety decision-making. When combined with other Hydrolab sensors, BGA data contributes to a comprehensive understanding of biological and chemical water quality conditions.

IMPORTANT

Note: The Hydrolab Blue Green Algae (BGA) Sensor is supplied as a factory-integrated accessory and cannot be purchased as a standalone product.

The Hydrolab HL4 and HL7 water quality meters are manufactured by Hydrolab and proudly represented by Aqualab Scientific.