WETStar
User’s Guide
The user’s guide is an evolving document. Please check our website periodically for
updates. If you find sections that are unclear, or missing information, please let us know.
WET Labs, Inc.
PO Box 518
Philomath, OR 97370
(541) 929-5650
www.wetlabs.com
WETStar User’s Guide (WETStar) Revision N 11 September 2007
WETStar Warranty
Standard Warranty
This unit is guaranteed against defects in materials and workmanship for two
years from the original date of purchase. Warranty is void if the factory
determines the unit was subjected to abuse or neglect beyond the normal wear
and tear of field deployment, or in the event the pressure housing has been
opened by the customer.
To return the instrument, contact WET Labs for a Return Merchandise
Authorization (RMA) and ship in the original container. WET Labs is not
responsible for damage to instruments during the return shipment to the factory.
WET Labs will supply all replacement parts and labor and pay for return via 3
day air shipping in honoring this warranty.
Annual Servicing Extended Warranty
WET Labs will extend the warranty on this unit to five years if it is returned
annually for servicing. This includes calibration, standard maintenance, and
cleaning. Charges associated with this annual service work and shipping are the
responsibility of the customer.
rd
Shipping Requirements
1. Please retain the original Pelican® shipping case. It meets stringent shipping and
insurance requirements, and protects your meter.
2. Service and repair work cannot be guaranteed unless the meter is shipped in its
original case.
3. Clearly mark the RMA number on the outside of your case and on all packing lists.
4. Return instruments using 3
WETStar User’s Guide (WETStar) Revision N 11 September 2007
rd
day air shipping or better: do not ship via ground.
Attention!
Return Policy for Instruments with Anti-fouling
Treatment
WET Labs cannot accept instruments for servicing or repair
that are treated with anti-fouling compound(s). This
includes but is not limited to tri-butyl tin (TBT), marine
anti-fouling paint, ablative coatings, etc.
Please ensure any anti-fouling treatment has been removed
prior to returning instruments to WET Labs for service or
repair.
WETStar User’s Guide (WETStar) Revision N 11 September 2007
Table of Contents
1. Specifications ............................................................................... 1
1.1 Connectors .......................................................................................................... 2
1.2 Test Cable ........................................................................................................... 3
1.3 Delivered Items................................................................................................... 3
2. Theory of Operation ..................................................................... 5
2.1 Chlorophyll WETStar ........................................................................................ 5
2.2 CDOM WETStar ............................................................................................... 5
2.3 Uranine WETStar............................................................................................... 6
2.4 Rhodamine WETStar ......................................................................................... 6
2.5 Phycoerythrin WETStar..................................................................................... 6
3. Instrument Operation.................................................................... 9
3.1 Connector Check................................................................................................. 9
3.2 Electrical Checkout............................................................................................. 9
3.3 Analog Signal Output Check .............................................................................. 9
3.4 Digital Signal Output Check............................................................................. 10
3.5 Deployment....................................................................................................... 10
3.6 Data Collection ................................................................................................. 10
3.7 Data Analysis.................................................................................................... 11
3.8 Upkeep and Maintenance.................................................................................. 11
4. Characterization ......................................................................... 13
4.1 Chlorophyll Characterization............................................................................ 13
4.2 CDOM Characterization ................................................................................... 13
4.3 Uranine/Rhodamine/Phycoerythrin WETStar Characterization....................... 14
4.4 Gain Adjustment ............................................................................................... 14
4.5 Final Testing ..................................................................................................... 15
Appendix A. Chlorophyll WETStar Flow Rate Dependence.......... 17
Appendix B. Calibration Details for Chlorophyll WETStar .............. 18
Introduction and Caveats .............................................................................................. 18
Calibration Protocol...................................................................................................... 18
Appendix C. References ................................................................ 21
WETStar User’s Guide (WETStar) Revision N 11 September 2007 i
1. Specifications
Mechanical
Size:
Weight in air: 1.7 lb (0.8 kg); in water: 0.25 lb (0.1 kg)
Rated depth: 600 meters
Housing: Acetal copolymer
Pressure housing—6.7 x 2.7 in (17.1 x 6.9 cm)
Overall height (including bulkhead connector and tubing fittings)—10.2 in (25.7 cm)
Electrical
Response time: 0.17 sec (analog); 0.125 sec (digital, optional)
Input: 7–15 VDC
Output: 0–5 VDC (analog); 0–4095 counts (digital, optional)
Current draw: < 40 mA (analog); < 80 mA (digital, optional)
Linearity: ≥ 99% R
Optical
Chlorophyll
2
Dynamic ranges: 0.03 –75 µg/l (standard); 0.06–150 µg/l (optional)
Sensitivity: ≥ 0.03 µg/l
Excitation: 460 nm
Emission: 695 nm
CDOM
Dynamic ranges: 1000 ppb (estuarine waters)
250 ppb (near-coastal waters)
100 ppb (open ocean waters)
Sensitivity: 0.100 ppb quinine sulfate dihydrate (other sensitivities available on request)
Excitation: 370 nm (10 nm FWHM)
Emission: 460 nm (120 nm FWHM)
Uranine
Dynamic range: 0–4000 µg/l uranine
Sensitivity: 1 µg/l uranine
Excitation: 485 nm
Emission: 532 nm
Rhodamine
Excitation: 470 nm
Emission: 590 nm
Phycoerythrin
Excitation: 525 nm
Emission: 575 nm
Specifications are subject to change without notice.
WETStar User’s Guide (WETStar) Revision N 11 September 2007 1
1.1 Connectors
Figure 1. WETStar bulkhead connector
Pinout summary for four-pin WETStar connectors
Analog Digital
Socket/Pin Function Socket/Pin Function
1 Common (ground) 1 Ground
2 Analog out 2 Analog +
3 V+ 3 V+
4 Analog return 4 RS-232 (TX)
Figure 2. Optional 6-pin digital WETStar connector
Pinout summary for optional digital WETStar connectors
Pin /Socket Function
1 Power ground
2 RS-232 (RX)
3 Analog ground
4 V in
5 RS-232 (TX)
6 Analog output
Input power of 7–15 VDC is applied to pin 4. The power supply current returns through
the common ground pin. Data is sent out the serial output pin (pin 5).
2 WETStar User’s Guide (WETStar) Revision N 11 September 2007
1.2 Test Cable
Some Digital units ship with a test cable that allows you to supply power to the
WETStar and provides a DB9 serial connector for RS232 output.
1.3 Delivered Items
The standard WETStar delivery includes:
• Tubing nipples that allow a small pump to be connected to the instrument
• small stick of fluorescing plastic material for functionality checks:
o pink stick for chlorophyll, Rhodamine and phycoerythrin
o blue stick for CDOM
o yellow stick for Uranine
• this manual
• instrument-specific characterization sheet
• pigtail lead with mating connector (except some digital units)
WETStar User’s Guide (WETStar) Revision N 11 September 2007 3
2. Theory of Operation
The WETStar miniature fluorometer allows the user to measure relative chlorophyll, CDOM, or
other concentrations by directly measuring the amount of fluorescence emission from a given sample
of water. The sample media is pumped through a quartz tube mounted through the long axis of the
instrument. These samples, when excited by the WETStar internal light source, absorb energy in
certain regions of the visible spectrum and emit a portion of this energy as fluorescence at longer
wavelengths. Figure 3 shows a simplified illustration of how the WETStar works.
Figure 3. Light path through WETStar
2.1 Chlorophyll WETStar
This WETStar is primarily designed to measure the fluorescence of chlorophyll-containing
phytoplankton, which absorb light of wavelengths between 400 and 520 nm and emit light
between 670 and 730 nm. The chlorophyll WETStar uses two bright blue LEDs (centered at
approximately 470 nm and modulated at 1 kHz) to provide the excitation. Blue interference
filters are used to reject the small amount of red light emitted by the LEDs. A detector positioned
at 90 degrees to the axis of the LED mounts measures the emitted light from the sample volume.
The approximately 0.25 cm
3
sample volume is defined by the intersection of the excitation light
with the field of view of the detector, within the quartz flow tube. A red interference filter is used
to discriminate against the scattered blue excitation light. The red fluorescence emitted at 90
degrees is synchronously detected at 1 kHz by a silicon photodiode. The amplified and
demodulated voltage output of the photodiode is provided to the user for connection to a digital
voltmeter, an A/D converter or RS232 input. The instrument contains two LEDs, doubling the
excitation light, as well as mirrors and lenses to optimize the instrument’s performance.
2.2 CDOM WETStar
The colored dissolved organic matter (CDOM) WETStar is primarily designed to measure the
fluorescence of CDOM, which absorbs light in the ultraviolet and emits light in the blue
wavelengths. The CDOM WETStar uses two UV LEDs (centered at approximately 370 nm and
modulated at 1 kHz) to provide the excitation. A detector, positioned at 90 degrees to the axis of
the LED mounts, measures the emitted light from the sample volume. The approximately 0.25
3
cm
sample volume is defined by the intersection of the excitation light with the field of view of
WETStar User’s Guide (WETStar) Revision N 11 September 2007 5
the detector, within the quartz flow tube. A blue interference filter is used to discriminate against
the scattered blue UV excitation light. The blue fluorescence is synchronously detected at 1 kHz
by a silicon photodiode. The amplified and demodulated voltage output of the photodiode is
provided to the user for connection to a digital voltmeter, an A/D converter or RS232 input. The
instrument contains two LEDs, doubling the excitation light, as well as mirrors and lenses to
optimize the instrument’s performance.
2.3 Uranine WETStar
The uranine (fluorescein) WETStar uses two bright blue LEDs (centered at approximately 470
nm and modulated at 1 kHz) to provide the excitation. Blue-green interference filters are used to
reject the small amount of red light emitted by the LEDs and produce the 485 nm excitation
light. A detector, positioned at 90 degrees to the axis of the LED mounts, measures the emitted
light from the sample volume. The approximately 0.25-cm
3
sample volume is defined by the
intersection of the excitation light with the field of view of the detector, within the quartz flow
tube. A green interference filter is used to discriminate against the scattered blue excitation light.
The green fluorescence emitted at 90 degrees is synchronously detected at 1 kHz by a silicon
photodiode. The amplified and demodulated voltage output of the photodiode is provided to the
user for connection to a digital voltmeter or an A/D converter. The instrument contains two
LEDs, doubling the excitation light, as well as mirrors and lenses to optimize the instrument’s
performance.
2.4 Rhodamine WETStar
This WETStar is primarily designed to measure the fluorescence of rhodamineWT dye, which
absorbs light of wavelengths between 470 and 550 nm and emits light around 590 nm. The
rhodamine WETStar uses two bright blue LEDs (centered at approximately 470 nm and
modulated at 1 kHz) to provide the excitation. Blue interference filters are used to reject the
small amount of red light emitted by the LEDs. A detector, positioned at 90 degrees to the axis of
the LED mounts, measures the emitted light from the sample volume. The approximately 0.25
3
cm
sample volume is defined by the intersection of the excitation light with the field of view of
the detector, within the quartz flow tube. A orange interference filter is used to discriminate
against the scattered blue excitation light. The orange fluorescence emitted at 90 degrees is
synchronously detected at 1 kHz by a silicon photodiode. The amplified and demodulated
voltage output of the photodiode is provided to the user for connection to a digital voltmeter, an
A/D converter or RS232 input. The instrument contains two LEDs, doubling the excitation light,
as well as mirrors and lenses to optimize the instrument’s performance.
2.5 Phycoerythrin WETStar
This WETStar is primarily designed to measure the fluorescence due to the presence of
phycoerythrin pigment in cyanobacteria, with excitation and emission wavelengths of
approximately 520 and 570 nm, respectively. The phycoerythrin WETStar uses two green LEDs
(centered at approximately 520 nm and modulated at 1 kHz) to provide the excitation.
Interference filters are used to filter out-of-band light emitted by the LEDs. A detector,
positioned at 90 degrees to the axis of the LED mounts, measures the emitted light from the
sample volume. The approximately 0.25 cm
3
sample volume is defined by the intersection of the
excitation light with the field of view of the detector, within the quartz flow tube. The
6 WETStar User’s Guide (WETStar) Revision N 11 September 2007
fluorescence emitted at 90 degrees is synchronously detected at 1 kHz by a silicon photodiode.
The amplified and demodulated voltage output of the photodiode is provided to the user for
connection to a digital voltmeter, an A/D converter or RS232 input. The instrument contains two
LEDs, doubling the excitation light, as well as mirrors and lenses to optimize the instrument’s
performance.
WETStar User’s Guide (WETStar) Revision N 11 September 2007 7
3. Instrument Operation
WETStar meters are available with either analog or digital output. Both outputs are proportional to
the amount of fluoresced light emitted. This value is, in turn, proportional to the phycocyanin
concentration in the sample volume. Analog output ranges from 0–5 V, and the digital output ranges
from 0–4095 counts.
A four-pin bulkhead connector and matching pigtail provide the power, ground, analog out and
analog return or digital signal(s). The pinouts are clearly described in section 1.2. The analog out
and/or digital signals can connect to a data acquisition system of your choice. WETStar is designed
to connect directly to many CTD systems and is compatible with other platforms that can provide
power and accept a 0–5 VDC analog signal. The digital signal is output to a PC or data logger using
the test cable provided.
3.1 Connector Check
Push the pigtail straight on to the connector sockets without wiggling the pigtail from side to side.
The connection is very snug, and it helps to apply a thin coat of silicon grease to the connector
sockets. Give an additional push to remove any trapped air and “seat” the pigtail. Screw the lock
collar securely to the bulkhead connector. To remove the pigtail, unscrew the lock collar then
grasp the body of the pigtail (not the wire) and pull straight out. Many connectors are damaged by
rocking the pigtail connector from side to side as they are pulled out.
3.2 Electrical Checkout
WARNING!
Do not deliver more than 15 VDC to the WETStar. The WETStar is protected against high
transient voltage events with a Transient Suppression Device. When voltage transients higher
than 15 VDC occur the transient voltage suppression device turns on and shunts this voltage to
ground. If an input power higher than 15 VDC is applied to the WETStar, this device will turn
on. If left in this condition the transient voltage suppression device will fail and damage to the
WETStar may occur.
Electrical checkout of WETStar is straightforward. Apply 7–15 VDC to the instrument to provide
power to the LEDs and electronics. Ensure that positive voltage is applied to V+ (socket 3), and
common or ground is applied to the ground (socket 1) (the large hole in the bulkhead connector).
A common 9-volt battery makes an ideal power supply for bench testing. With the proper voltage
applied to sockets the ground (socket 1) and V+ (socket 3), the LEDs should illuminate the quartz
flow tube. This light can be seen when looking straight into the flow tube with the plastic
fluorescence test stick inserted.
3.3 Analog Signal Output Check
Connect analog out (socket 2) and analog return (socket 4) to a digital multimeter. With the flow
tube clean and dry, the analog output voltage should read approximately 0.05–0.5 VDC. Insertion
of the fluorescent plastic test stick into the flow tube should produce a signal level at or near
saturation (~5 VDC).
WETStar User’s Guide (WETStar) Revision N 11 September 2007 9
3.4 Digital Signal Output Check
The RS-232 output from the digital WETStar is a single column of numbers whose values range
between 0 and 4095 counts. Connect the test cable to the WETStar. Connect the DB-9 connector
to a PC running a terminal communications program such as HyperTerminal. Set the data rate to
9600 baud, 8 data bits, 1 stop bit, no parity. Connect a 9 V battery to the test cable. Output
should read approximately 40–500 counts. Inserting the plastic fluorescent stick should increase
the signal to near saturation, or 4095 counts.
Note that RS-232 protocol is limited to a nominal cable length of 5 meters (15 ft). WET Labs’
experience is that these cables can be significantly longer, but they should be tested before
deployment.
3.5 Deployment
WETStar can be deployed in either a non-pumped flow through mode or a pumped
configuration. We highly recommend using a pump because, as one would expect from
considerations of phytoplankton physiology, there is a flow rate dependence of the signal. A
pump, used during calibration and during field work, will provide a consistent flow and ensure
the highest quality data. We supply threaded tubing nipples for the inlet and outlet flow tube
ports to aid in plumbing a pump and/or water traps. If you deploy WETStar in a flow through
mode, best results will be obtained by lowering the instrument steadily at 0.2 to 1.0 meters per
second. This is compatible with the descent rate requirements of many small CTDs.
If the instrument is used in a free flow mode, it is important to ensure that the flow tube
inlet/outlets are “seeing” a clear water path during descent. Since WETStar’s size makes it easy
to tuck away inside a cage, this can present a problem. One solution would be to add Tygon
tubing to the fittings on the flow tube that are in turn connected to water traps (funnel-type
devices which are mounted with their wide end facing in the direction of deployment).
If you use a small pump to flush the flow cell, the recommended flow rate is in the range of 10 to
30 ml/sec. Laboratory tests have shown that, for phytoplankton cultures, increasing the flow rate
up to 30 ml/sec decreases the signal but slightly improves the signal to noise ratio. The flow rate
which provides the best signal to noise ratio is 25 ml/sec. A good pump for this purpose is SeaBird Electronics’ SBE-05T, which is a small, low powered pump which has an adjustable motor
speed so that flow rate can be precisely controlled. Flow rate dependence for chlorophyll
WETStars is discussed further in section 5.
Note that while CDOM does not display the physiological response behavior of phytoplankton,
flow rates that are very low or very high may prove problematic: UV bleaching can occur at very
low rates, and the instrument’s response may be limiting at very high rates.
3.6 Data Collection
Analog WETStars must be connected to a host system that will receive the analog voltage output
and digitize it. Many oceanographic instruments such as CTDs, radiometers, and data loggers are
equipped with analog input channels and carry on-board A/D converters.
10 WETStar User’s Guide (WETStar) Revision N 11 September 2007
Adding the instrument to a CTD or other host solves several other problems. Since the data is
merged with the CTD data, correlating the WETStar output with depth or time is done
automatically. If one is building a logger or interface, it will be necessary to provide some
pressure or time reference to stamp the fluorescence data, tying it to the rest of the physical data.
Analog WETStar output is limited to a current of 10 mA or less. Its output impedance is
approximately 500 ohms that effectively limits the drive current. Therefore, the electrical signal
will degrade over a long electrical wire due to the electrical resistance of the cable. For best
results, the analog signal should be fed directly into an A/D converter and the digital signal
should be sent up the cable. One such option is to use WET Lab’s DH-4 data logger, a subsurface data logging system that can handle up to three analog signals simultaneously, as well as
two digital signals if necessary.
3.7 Data Analysis
Because of the varied environments in which each user will work, it is important to perform
characterizations using similar seawater as you expect to encounter in situ.
3.8 Upkeep and Maintenance
WETStar is a very compact instrument and its maintenance can be easily overlooked. However,
the miniature fluorometer is a precision instrument and does require a minimum of routine
upkeep. After each cast or exposure of the instrument to natural water, flush the instrument with
clean fresh water, paying careful attention to the flow tube. Soapy water will cut any grease or
oil accumulation. The tube is high quality quartz that can easily be broken or scratched so use
caution. Do not use a dowel or stiff brush in the tube. A long cotton swab works nicely for
cleaning the tube. At the end of an experiment, the instrument should be rinsed thoroughly, airdried and stored in a cool, dry place. Solvents such as methanol may also be used to clean the
tube.
WETStar User’s Guide (WETStar) Revision N 11 September 2007 11
4. Characterization
The chlorophyll WETStar is typically configured for one of two measurement ranges: 0.03–75.0 µg/l
or 0.06–150 µg/l. This is done at WET Labs using a fluorescent stick and adjusting the electronic gain
of the WETStar for a corresponding specific output value.
As is the case with other fluorometers, detailed characterization must be performed by the user to
determine the actual zero point and scale factor for his/her particular use.
4.1 Chlorophyll Characterization
To measure the WETStar output voltages for tuning and characterization, the analog fluorometer
is connected to a 16-bit analog-to-digital (A/D) converter. The A/D outputs the voltages in a
standard RS-232 serial text format that is collected with a terminal program. A spreadsheet is
then used to perform calculations on the collected values.
A Scale Factor is used to convert the fluorescence response of the instrument into chlorophyll-a
concentration. The Scale Factor is determined at WET Labs during a cross calibration using a
solid fluorescent standard and a reference fluorometer whose chlorophyll fluorescence response
has been characterized in a laboratory using a mono-species lab culture of Thalassiosira
weissflogii phytoplankton.
Refer to Appendix B for details on performing a laboratory or field calibration on the WETStar.
The WETStar sensitivity is adjusted to be within certain limits when a controlled fluorescence
standard is introduced into the sample volume. The standard is nominally equivalent to 50 µg/l
of chlorophyll. On the WS3S models, the output voltage is adjusted for 3.0 ± 0.150 V), and on
the WS1S, the output is 1.5 ± 0.150 V).
4.2 CDOM Characterization
The current substance used to characterize the CDOM WETStar is a quinine sulfate dihydrate
(QSD) solution at a concentration of 100 parts per billion (ppb).
WARNING
If you are not experienced or trained in the safe and proper techniques of
working with chemicals and acids, seek proper assistance.
The gain of the instrument is adjusted based on the signal level generated from the 100 pbb QSD
solution. Linearity of the instrument is checked using a dilution series of QSD. The sensitivity of
individual instruments may vary due to specific requirements of deployment conditions. Refer to
the Characterization Sheet that accompanied your instrument for precise values regarding range
and sensitivity to QSD. It is important to note that QSD is used in the characterization of the
CDOM WETStar and does not constitute a calibration of the instrument’s response to naturally
occurring CDOM.
WETStar User’s Guide (WETStar) Revision N 11 September 2007 13
The CDOM WETStar range and sensitivity is adjusted to be within certain limits when a QSD
solution of a certain concentration is introduced into the sample volume. The CDOM WETStar
output is adjusted by setting the gain at several operational amplifier stages. Gain is set with
fixed-value precision resistors.
The variable nature of the fluorescence due to naturally occurring CDOM makes it impossible
for an accurate calibration to be done in a lab for all situations. The CDOM WETStar, therefore,
is not calibrated to CDOM, but rather QSD, which has historically been used to establish the
response and sensitivity of fluorometers used in CDOM fluorescence applications. The
absorption and emission characteristics of QSD allow it to be used as a proxy for CDOM.
An instrument-specific Clean Water Offset (CWO) and 100 ppb QSD measurement standard are
provided on the characterization sheet that shipped with your WETStar. The conversion of raw
counts to QSD equivalent concentration is straightforward using the equation:
[X]
sample
= (C
sample
– C
) * Scale Factor
cwo
where:
[X]
C
sample
C
cwo
= concentration, sample of interest
sample
= raw counts output when measuring a sample of interest (counts)
= Clean Water Offset (counts)
Scale Factor (SF): CDOM = multiplier in ppb QSD-counts
[X]
= concentration, known QSD equivalent sample
standard
Then, SF = [X]
standard
÷ (C
sample
– C
cwo
)
For example, if the CWO reading was 60 counts and a known concentration of 65 ppb provided a
signal of 3500 counts, your scale factor would be:
65.0 µg/l ÷ (3500 - 60) counts = 0.018 ppb-counts.
4.3 Uranine/Rhodamine/Phycoerythrin WETStar Characterization
The characterization procedure is to prepare a dilution series of the dye solution. Uranine, (or
fluorescein) and RhodamineWT dye (also used for the phycoerythrin meter) are available from
chemical supply dealers. The sensitivity of the WETStar is adjusted such that the slope of the
linear regression and range of the dilution series is appropriate to the range requested by the user.
4.4 Gain Adjustment
The output is adjusted by setting the gain in several operational amplifier stages in the WETStar.
Gain, or sensitivity, is set with fixed-value resistors.
14 WETStar User’s Guide (WETStar) Revision N 11 September 2007
4.4.1 Pure Water Blank
Pure, de-ionized water is used to set the “zero” voltage of the WETStar. This zero voltage is
set for approximately 0.070 ± 0.030 V) on most WETStar models. The WETStar employs an
offset voltage circuit. Water blank is adjusted with two fixed voltage divider resistors at the
factory.
4.4.2 Response Time (Time Constant)
The specified time constant for the analog WETStar is 0.167 seconds; 0.125 for the digital.
This time constant is the RC value, computed by 1/RC.
To verify the time constant, the step response is observed on an oscilloscope. A sample is
introduced that produces a full-scale reading. The sample is then quickly removed, and the
decay is observed on the oscilloscope. The output voltage must reach a value of 66 percent of
the original within 0.167 (or 0.125 for digital) seconds. A nominally full-scale output is
obtained after six time constants.
4.5 Final Testing
4.5.1 Pressure
To ensure the integrity of the housing and seals, the WETStar is subjected to a wet
hyperbaric test before final testing. The testing chamber applies a water pressure of at least
50 PSI. The rated depth of the WETStar is 600 meters.
4.5.2 Mechanical Stability
Before final testing, the WETStar is subjected to a mechanical stability test. This involves
subjecting the unit to mild vibration and shock. The air, water, and sample voltages must
remain the same before and after the mechanical stability test.
4.5.3 Temperature Stability
To verify temperature stability, the WETStar is immersed in an ice bath. The starting
temperature is typically 23–30 degrees Celsius, and the ending temperature is 1–5 degrees
Celsius. A voltage sample is collected every 30 seconds, with a 0.5 second smoothing.
Specifications assert that the maximum variation per degree Celsius is 1.25 mV (2 counts).
4.5.4 Electronic Stability
This value is computed by collecting a sample once per minute for twelve hours or more. The
smoothing time for this one sample is 0.5 seconds. After the data is collected, the minimum
and maximum values are determined, and the difference between these two is divided by the
number of hours the test has run. The result is the stability value listed on the characterization
sheet. The stability value must be less than 2.0 mV (3 counts)/hour.
WETStar User’s Guide (WETStar) Revision N 11 September 2007 15
4.5.5 Full Scale Verification
The specified maximum output of the WETStar is nominally five volts, or for digital meters,
4095 counts. The full-scale voltage is reported in the characterization sheet.
4.5.6 Noise
The noise value is computed from a standard deviation over 60 samples. These samples are
collected at one-second intervals for one minute. The smoothing (averaging) time for these
samples is 0.5 seconds. A standard deviation is then performed on the 60 samples, and the
result is the published noise on the characterization sheet. The calculated noise must be
below 1.5 mV (3 counts).
4.5.7 Final Water Blank Test
De-ionized, pure water is introduced into the sample volume. The output voltage must be
0.070 ± 0.030 V for most WETStar types. Value is recorded on the characterization sheet.
4.5.8 Final Standard Test
A standard sample specific to the measurement range of the WETStar being tested is placed
in the sample volume. The output reading is recorded on the instrument-specific
Characterization Sheet.
4.5.9 Voltage and Current Range Verification
To verify that the WETStar operates over the entire specified voltage range (7–15 V), a
voltage-sweep test is performed. The WETStar is operated over the entire voltage range, and
the current and operation is observed. The total power consumption (voltage times current)
must remain below 500 mW (900 mW for digital) over the entire voltage range.
4.5.10 Linearity
Linearity tests are performed on many WETStars. This linearity test consists of a complete
Coproporphyrin dilution series for chlorophyll meters, a QSD series for CDOM meters, and a
uranine series for uranine meters. The linear regression “R-squared” value must be better
than 0.9900.
16 WETStar User’s Guide (WETStar) Revision N 11 September 2007
Appendix A. Chlorophyll WETStar Flow Rate Dependence
Fluorescent signals from phytoplankton samples exhibit some dependence on the flow rate of the
sample water through the measurement chamber. Because of WETStar’s unique size and flow tube
technology, providing for a uniform flow rate is highly desirable. For this reason, we recommend
using a small submersible pump with a known flow rate. Free-flow (un-pumped) measurements are
possible, but care must be taken to use a steady profiling rate on the order of one meter per second to
provide the proper flushing of the flow tube. It is important to note that when profiling in free-flow
mode, it is possible for the descent of the profiling package to come to a stop or even reverse
direction briefly due to sea-state and ship motion. Figure 4 shows how the voltage output of the
WETStar can vary with flow rates ranging from about 3 to 30 ml/sec. A small, constant volume
pump was placed in line with a closed loop flow system fitted with a throttle valve to control the
flow rate. It should be noted that the relative response only varies by 15–18 percent over the entire
range so that useful data can be obtained even in situations where the flow rate is unknown.
Figure 4. Flow rate dependence for Thalassiosira weissflogii.
Output voltages are normalized to the voltage value recorded at 24 ml/sec. Using the same flow rate
in the field that was used during one’s calibration will ensure consistent results.
WETStar User’s Guide (WETStar) Revision N 11 September 2007 17
Appendix B. Calibration Details for Chlorophyll WETStar
This section is provided by Richard Davis, Oregon State University.
WETStar is shipped pre-configured to provide accurate, linear response over one of two dynamic
ranges: 0.03–75.0 or 0.06–150 µg/l. However, because of myriad calibration techniques and
different properties of the natural waters from which “blanks” will be prepared, it is important that
an experiment-specific calibration is done before (and after) each major cruise or event. The key to
obtaining high quality data is to determine the instrument’s response to the conditions that will be
found in the field. Because of the many different applications involving fluorometric chlorophyll
determinations, detailed calibration of the instrument must be done by the user.
Introduction and Caveats
The purpose of calibrating an in situ fluorometer is to be able to convert its in-water signal to an
absolute value of chlorophyll-a. In theory this should be a simple process of measuring the
voltages from the instrument obtained from a dilution (or addition) series of a phytoplankton
culture of known concentration, creating a linear regression of the recorded voltages against
chlorophyll concentration and then obtaining a calibration coefficient. Problems arise from the
fact that the optical properties of phytoplankton are functions of size, shape, pigmentation,
taxonomic composition, photo-adaptation and physiological status. For example, exposure to
supersaturating light will cause an immediate (time scale of seconds) depression in fluorescence
with any change in chlorophyll concentration happening very much slower (time scale of hours)
(Kiefer 1973, Cullen et al.1988). However, since it is unreasonable to calibrate a fluorometer
with every species of phytoplankton at all different physiological states, one has to simply be
aware of the problems and go forth. Thus any conversions of in situ fluorometry into
chlorophyll-a concentration are estimates at best and guesses at worst. Over the time scale of a
mooring deployment a fluorometer will probably estimate chlorophyll-a within a factor of 2
(Lorenzen 1966).
Calibration Protocol
The following procedures involve using some improvisational techniques and equipment. For
example, the Sea-Bird SBE-5 pump is designed for submersible work and may prove difficult or
impossible for some people to use in the way described. This calibration procedure also assumes
the person performing calibration is already familiar with the spectrophotometric extraction
method for determining chlorophyll concentration.
Calibration should be a two-phase process. The first phase, a serial addition procedure, occurs in
the lab, the second, a simple correlation procedure, in the field.
18 WETStar User’s Guide (WETStar) Revision N 11 September 2007
Lab Calibration
Materials needed:
• WETStar fluorometer • large tub for immersing instruments
• SBE pump • lab notebook
• cables for fluorometer and pump • DC power supply
• tubing for fluorometer • digital voltmeter
- inlet
- outlet
• ring stand w/2 large clamps
• 50, 100 and 500 ml graduated cylinders
• thermometer • phytoplankton culture
• scintillation vials w/10 ml 90%
• stopwatch
acetone
• set of volumetric pipettes • some 500 ml beakers
- 5 ml
- 10 ml
- 25 ml
• pipette bulb
• GF/F filters
• forceps
• filter rig w/pump, tubing, traps
It is critical that the entire calibration process be performed under non-varying conditions.
Changes in temperature or light will affect the in vivo fluorescence of the phytoplankton
culture and possibly the instrument. It is recommended that the room be dimly lit and that the
culture be allowed to sit in the calibration area for 30 minutes prior to use. The instrument
should be equilibrated to calibration temperature for at least 4 hours.
Obtain a culture of late logarithmic phase phytoplankton and some of the culture media. Use
a species of phytoplankton (or at least genera) that you are likely to encounter in the field. If
time, energy and materials allow, use two species of different groups (e.g., a diatom and a
chrysophyte) for comparison purposes. Absolute concentration of chlorophyll-a in the culture
should be no more than 50 µg/l (you can start to see color by eye at about 20 µg/l, at which
point the culture is starting to slow down and enter the stationary phase). Filter
approximately 50–100 ml onto a GF/F filter for spectrophotometric chlorophyll
determination. You should be able to easily see color on the filter. If you can’t, filter more.
Place the filter into 10 ml of 90 percent acetone and store in a freezer for 24 hrs. Record the
optical density of the solution at 750, 664, 647, and 630 nm. Calculate pigment
concentrations by:
Ca = 11.85*OD
Cb = 21.03*OD
Cc = 24.52*OD
- 1.54*OD
664
- 5.43*OD
647
- 1.67*OD
630
- 0.08*OD
647
- 2.66*OD
664
- 7.60*OD
664
630
630
647
where a, b, and c denote chlorophyll-a, -b and -c, respectively, and all optical densities have
had the 750 nm signal subtracted.
WETStar User’s Guide (WETStar) Revision N 11 September 2007 19
Set up the WETStar fluorometer and pump on a ring stand according to Figure 5. Provide
power to the fluorometer and pump via a DC power supply. Record all voltages from the
fluorometer with a voltmeter. Power up the fluorometer and let it warm up for 10 minutes. At
the end of this period record the voltage as the air blank. Begin pumping a known volume of
culture medium through the fluorometer. Check for and clear bubbles. Allow the fluorometer
to stabilize and record the voltage as the seawater blank. Add an aliquot of culture to the
blank culture medium with a volumetric pipette. The aliquot should be enough that you
would expect to see an increase in the fluorometer voltage between 0.5 and 1 volt. In the
scenario of the WETStar set up for the lower range (0–75 µg/l), a culture containing
approximately 50 µg/l chlorophyll, and a blank culture medium volume of 400 ml the aliquot
would be approximately 25 ml. After the reading has stabilized record the voltage and
volume added. Continue with the serial additions until you saturate the fluorometer. Clean
the fluorometer after calibrating.
Figure 5. Instrument setup
Field Calibration
There are two goals to the field calibration. The first is to verify that the lab calibration is
valid in the field. The second is to detect any changes in the fluorometer over time. To
achieve these goals chlorophyll-a samples should be taken as often and as close as possible
to the mooring. Record the time that the Niskin bottle containing the sample was tripped.
Preferably samples would be taken throughout a 24 hr period to investigate the effects of
irradiance on in situ fluorescence.
20 WETStar User’s Guide (WETStar) Revision N 11 September 2007
Appendix C. References
Cullen, J.J., C.M. Yentsch, T.L. Cucci, and H.L. MacIntyre. 1988. Autofluorescence and other
optical properties as tools in biological oceanography. In: Ocean Optics VIII, Proc. SPIE: 149–
156.
Cullen, J.J., and M.R. Lewis. 1995. Biological processes and optical measurements near the sea-
surface: Some issues relevant to remote sensing. J. Geophys. Res.100(C7):13,255–13,266.
Lorenzen, C.J. 1966. A method for the continuous measurement of in vivo chlorophyll
concentrations. Deep-Sea Res. 13: 223–227.
Marra, J. and C. Langdon. 1993. An evaluation of an in situ fluorometer for the estimation of
chlorophyll-a. Tech. Rep. LDEO-93-1, Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory.
WETStar User’s Guide (WETStar) Revision N 11 September 2007 21
WETStar
User’s Guide
Revision History
Revision Date Revision Description Originator
A 10/07/99 Begin revision tracking H. Van Zee
B 01/03/00 Change Specifications, Delete section 3.3 (DCR
6)
C 01/06/00 Update document (DCR 8) D. Hankins
D 03/29/00 Reorder chapters for consistency (DCR 19) H. Van Zee
E 12/12/00 Update document and illustrations (DCR 75) D. Hankins,
F 03/12/01 Correct Copro standard preparation (DCR 90) D. Hankins
G 11/26/01 Revise references to excitation wavelengths (DCR
164)
H 01/23/02 Correct terminology in section 2 and update
Figure 1 (DCR 188)
I 04/09/02 Add digital WETStar capabilities (DCR 213) S. Campos.
J 10/25/02 Delete reference to Schott glass (DCR 246) S. Campos
K 05/12/03 Add four-pin digital connector diagram and
functions (DCR 300)
L 1/11/05 Add phycoerythrin, combine chlorophyll, CDOM,
uranine, Rhodamine into single user’s guide.
(DCR 435)
M 1/13/06 Clarify warranty statement (DCR 481) A. Gellatly,
N 9/11/07
Update shipping requirements (DCR 531)
C. Moore
H. Van Zee
J. Kitchen
H. Van Zee
H. Van Zee
M. Everett
M. Everett
S. Proctor
H. Van Zee
WETStar User’s Guide (WETStar) Revision N 11 September 2007
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