How Laboratory Weighing Balances Support Environmental Research

The weight of the world rests on the shoulders of scientists researching the way forward in sustainability. Laboratory weighing balances play a crucial role in environmental science. Let’s discuss why accurate weighing matters, key applications where balances make a difference and features that are particularly helpful for environmental research.

Why Accurate Weighing Matters in Environmental Research

It’s fair to say that there aren’t many circumstances, if any, when accurate weighing wouldn’t matter in environmental research. Accurate weight data can help scientists

• Measure chemicals, reagents, solvents and other ingredients so you only use what’s necessary
• Record a fundamental feature of matter (weight) to gather a full picture of any item in nature
• Test samples for weight changes before and after a particular experiment

And much more!

Key Applications Where Laboratory Weighing Balances Make a Difference

Weight is a crucial data point in any kind of science – except maybe theoretical. These are just three examples of ways balances can make a difference in environmental science.

Soil Testing

Moisture analysers like Adam Equipment’s PMB Moisture Analyser are excellent for both weighing and testing the moisture content of soil samples. It does so with a method called loss-on-drying, weighing both before, during and after the sample is heated until there’s no moisture left.

Soil testing with a balance or moisture analyser can help determine whether certain pesticides or fertilisers are harmful to the environment. If they’ve leached beyond expected or into the water supply, this can impact more than just the crops they’re intended to protect.

It’s also useful to help decide which soil to use for which crops in certain environments. Sandy soil holds less water than clay soil, so using sandy soil in a dry environment not only wastes water but risks losing valuable crops.

Laboratory Weighing Balances in Waste Management

A major global problem are landfills stuffed with waste that won’t break down naturally for hundreds of years. Scientists are working on enzymes that can eat plastic and cut down plastic’s lifetime from hundreds of years to days. Laboratory weighing balances can help with this kind of science, particularly with a formulation function. Using the formulation function, you could determine the best ratio of enzymes that can be used to break down waste and measure what the waste weighs over time as the enzymes work their magic.

Field-Based Studies

You can’t be an environmental scientist without going out into the environment! Portable balances with rechargeable batteries are a way to weigh anything on the fly!

Laboratory Weighing Balance Features That Support Sustainable Science

You’re finding sustainable solutions, and you need a laboratory weighing balance that’s going to best support your work. Below are three beneficial features for environmental and sustainability research.

Fine Readabilities & Proper Capacities

When it comes to precision, your laboratory deserves the best, whether it’s from a semi-micro, analytical or precision balance. But which one is right for you?

Our best advice is to choose laboratory weighing balances with a capacity that’s 25% or higher (50% is the ideal) than the heaviest item you anticipate weighing. This will allow for the weight of any containers you’re using without accidentally overloading the capacity.

As far as readability is concerned, we recommend choosing a lab balance with only the precision you need. For example, if you only work up to the 3^rd decimal point, choose a readability of 0.001g, rather than one that’s 0.0001g or 0.00001g. It’s tempting to purchase the highest precision available, but the additional cost, lower capacity and extra sensitivity are the consequences. Stick to what you need!

Built for Field Use

A balance built for the lab is one thing – to be built for the field is entirely another. Field balances need to be durable and adaptable, not just precise. Take the Adam Equipment Highland Portable Precision Balance, for example. The Highland offers:

• 24-hour battery life between charges
• ShockProtect technology that safeguards against both overloads and shock loads
• HandiCal internal calibration for continued accuracy over time
• Adjustable feet for uneven surfaces
• A hook included for below balance weighing and density determination

It’s made to withstand the nit and grit of environmental and sustainability fieldwork with ease – and precise readabilities between 0.001g and 0.1g.

Data Collection and Traceability

In the scientific world, if you don’t have a record of it, has it really happened? Debatable. Laboratory weighing balances that comply with Good Laboratory Practice standards by default are indispensable tools. Connected via RS-232 or USB to a printer like the ATP2, the Luna Analytical Balance offers the option to print the date, time, weight, operator and more, enough information to satisfy even the strictest GLP stickler.

If you want to go the extra mile with your data (and who doesn’t?) data collection software like AdamDU can collect weighing results from up to eight balances at once. Continuously log readings into a file in real time, then perform statistical analysis to discover the minimum, maximum, median, mean, variance and standard deviation of your results.

Want to learn more about lab balances, and which models are best for your lab weighing needs? Contact Inscale, and we’ll be happy to help.