LISST Suspended Particle Size and Concentration Systems for Rothamsted

Sequoia Scientific, Inc. has built and shipped 3 LISST-200X packages to be deployed by Rothamsted Research. Planet Ocean, the Distributor for Sequoia in the UK has worked closely with the end user staff to meet their technical and delivery needs.

The LISST-200X instrument harnesses laser diffraction to obtains in-situ measurements of particle size distribution, volume concentration, optical transmission, and the optical volume scattering function (VSF) at depths down to 600 meters. An accessory item installed on each of the LISST-200X units is a Bio Block anti-fouling shutter for reducing the effects of fouling during extended deployments.

When asked about the expected use, Rothamsted Research staff member states, “As part of one of its current strategic science programs (Soil to Nutrition – funded by the UK Research and Innovation-Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council), Rothamsted Research, UK, is assembling a unique dataset on the effective particle size characteristics of the water-stable aggregates eroded from different land uses (peaty moorland, grassland, arable). In turn, these data, which are being assembled using the LISST (Laser In-Situ Scattering and Transmissometry) 200X, and being linked with experimental work by Canadian partners (University of Waterloo and the National Water Research Institute, Burlington) on the critical thresholds for erosion and deposition of sediment flocs in the aquatic environment. The overall aim is to understand the landscape scale propensity for the flocs originating from different land uses to be deposited and thereby contribute to more severe in-stream impacts on aquatic ecology and nutrient and contaminant transfers. More widely, the work is contributing to ongoing exploration and debate over the impacts of land use change that might occur in the UK as a result of a number of drivers including climate change forecasts, net zero aspirations and the changing dietary preferences of consumers.”

Following delivery of the 3 LISST-200X systems the team at Rothamsted Research benefited from training provided by Sequoia staff in the US, ensuring their ability to successfully operate and deploy the instruments.

Planet Ocean, the Sequoia Distributor based in country, has supported clients throughout Europe for years with an attentive staff and extensive knowledge base of applications and technology for the multi-disciplined scientific community in the region.