Compiled by: Rajesh V., Regional Service Manager, Cole-Parmer India
Written by: Vinita Singh, Marketing Manager, Cole-Parmer India
Studying the effects of heavy metal toxicants and pesticides in seawater
With the objective of studying the effects of heavy metal toxicants and pesticides in seawater, the Department of Marine and Coastal Studies at Madurai Kamaraj University, India, incorporated the Masterflex® Ismatec® Multichannel Pump into their toxicology study.
Oceans make up our main bodies of water and are home to a wide variety of species or life forms. Over the years, human activities have adversely affected marine life. The most important ill effect has been pollution. Incidents of oil spills, industrial waste dumping, garbage disposal, and accumulation of various toxic materials as wastes have polluted nearly all of the major aquatic bodies around the globe.
About the end-user
The Tamil Nadu, India-based Madurai Kamaraj University (MKU) is conducting a toxicology study to understand the effect of heavy metal toxicants (such as copper, cadmium, lead, zinc, arsenic, chromium) and pesticides in seawater and analyze estimated damage to sea animals.
The application
The experiment requires different reservoirs containing toxicants of interest at d
ifferent ppm levels. These toxicants are pumped at an approximate rate of 4 ml/min to the animal chamber along with seawater, which is pumped at a rate of 36 ml/min. Simultaneously, seawater without toxicants is pumped into a separate chamber at a flow rate of 40 ml/min. After a predetermined time, the researchers take samples and conduct tissue analysis and enzyme studies to determine any damage to sea animals. With their results, they can determine the threshold level for toxicants.
The challenge
The main challenge in performing this study has been to obtain accuracy in the flow rates in different channels of the pump.
The solution
The university contacted Cole-Parmer based on their previous experience and trust in the company’s capabilities, exceptional service, and technical support. Cole-Parmer helped them to successfully execute earlier projects.
The Masterflex® Ismatec® IPC 16-channel Pump, used in this project as pictured above.
The Cole-Parmer technical specialist discussed the application and the end user’s requirements in detail and recommended the Standard-Speed 8-Channel Pump and Standard-Speed 16-Channel Pump, based on the accuracy and flow rates required. The planetary gear drives of this system (used with two-stop Tygon® MHLL tubing and Ismatec two-stop color-coded PharMed® BPT tubing and extension tubing), along with an eight-roller pump head, clicks, go cartridge, and user calibration feature help achieve accuracy of flow rates in different channels.
In all, the pump:
- Achieves accurate flow rates
- Offers variable flow rates that are easily adjusted by the user
- Requires low pump system maintenance
- Features flow rate and dispensing volume that can be calibrated
- Provides high repeatability on all channels
Because the accuracy of the flow rate is extremely good, this enhanced the users’ confidence!
Be the first to comment on "Case Study: Testing Toxicity of Marine Pollution using Masterflex Ismatec Multi-Channel Pump"