Student training in measurement of particle size distribution

Hello! My name is Dia Marganita, and I am from Indonesia. I am currently in my second year of the international Oceans and Lakes Master’s program, and I will be conducting my thesis research under supervision of Professor Griet Neukermans and Dr. Alexandre Castagna of the MarSens research group at UGent.

Last September, I had the opportunity to work with the LISST-200X instrument (Laser In Situ Scattering and Transmissometry) to measure particle size distribution (PSD) in the MarSens laboratory. The water samples I analyzed came from Sorbonne University in France, collected in the framework of the ESA PLUMES project. This was my very first experience doing PSD analysis, and I was excited to learn how the instrument works.

I first measured the turbidity of the samples using a portable turbidimeter. Based on the turbidity results and with guidance from Alexandre, I diluted some of the samples to avoid saturation of the LISST-200X instrument and to minimize the effect of particles settling during the measurement time.

After sample preparation, samples were circulated through the flow cell of LISST-200X instrument, that measures the PSD based on diffraction. The water samples were flown through the sample cell of the LISST-200X using a peristaltic pump and a continuously stirred water sample. This ensured continuous, adequate mixing of the water samples.

After running the measurement for about five minutes, I stopped the system and saved the results of each sample for further analysis. Then I analyzed the data using R and wrote a report of the results within the following week.

This laboratory experience provided me with valuable hands-on training of PSD analysis and an introduction to laboratory management at UGent. As a new member, I am excited to learn and participate in more activities and conduct my thesis research with MarSens research group.