What instrument is commonly used to measure the concentration of chlorophyll in aquatic samples?

The fluorometer is commonly used to measure the concentration of chlorophyll in aquatic samples because it operates based on the principle of fluorescence. Chlorophyll molecules absorb specific wavelengths of light and emit light at longer wavelengths when they are excited. The fluorometer detects this emitted light, allowing for the quantification of chlorophyll concentration in a sample.

This instrument is particularly valuable in aquatic environments, where assessing chlorophyll levels can provide insights into phytoplankton biomass and overall water quality. The sensitivity and specificity of a fluorometer make it an ideal choice for this type of analysis, as it can differentiate between chlorophyll and other substances in the sample that may also absorb light.

Other instruments listed, like microplate readers, while they can be adapted for many assays, are not specifically designed for measuring chlorophyll in aquatic samples. Amplifiers are electronic devices for boosting signals and are not applicable here, and thermometers measure temperature, which does not pertain to the concentration of chlorophyll.