ALGE Field BART™ Biodetector

The ALGE-BARTs contain a ball, dehydrated medium, and geo-textile. Add water sample until the water reaches the top of the textile.  Below the ball, there is a layer of textile into which the algae can grow. Nutrients to support algal growth diffuse into the water sample from dehydrated medium deposits in the base of the tube.

Algae include various plant-like microorganisms, which can photosynthesize using light as the energy source for growth. Several types of algae can grow in the ALGE-BARTs, including: Grass-Green Algae (Chlorophyceae), Blue-Green Algae (Cyanobacteria), Desmids, Diatoms, and Euglenoids. The ALGE-BART can be used as a simple presence/absence (P/A) test capable of indicating, to some extent, the population size and the types of algae present in the sample.

The BART tester requires no microscope, no laboratory, no incubator! The test is done at room temperature in your office or treatment room, on a desk, shelf, or in a cupboard and is viewed daily. Different microorganisms like to grow at various heights in a column of water to which nutrients have been added. BART testers contain nutrients in the base of the column and a ball. The ball restricts the amount of oxygen entering the water column so that aerobic organisms grow around the ball and anerobic organisms grow deep down in the water column. By changing the nutrients in the base of the column different organisms can be encouraged to grow. BART determines presence and activity levels.

Full instructions for the use of BART biodetectors are included with your purchase. Click here for the general User Manual

Each individual test consists of: Inner & Outer Test vial with color chart sticker, media and BART ball.

Case of 9 Testers.


There are two versions of BART Testers; Field and Lab. We carry Both. The Field BARTs are designed for field/hotel use since they include an outer tube that provides more stability and reduces any smells that can be produced during the reaction within the inner tube.  Field BARTs are individually packaged in aluminum foil pouches and have a 4 year shelf.