Microlit’s Beatus BTD and RBO micropipettes help in soil analysis and related research at ICAR-DWR (Directorate of Weed Research), Jabalpur
- March 31, 2022
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We had the pleasure of conversation with Mr Dibakar Roy, the Soil Scientist at ICAR-DWR (Directorate of Weed Research), Jabalpur. Our interaction covers details about his work at ICAR-DWR, the Microlit products they use to execute various soil analysis and related research and his overall experience with our products.
Directorate of Weed Research, Jabalpur; a research Institute under the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) provides scientific research and various weed management technology to minimize the yield damage through weeds that occurred in crop fields and maximize the economic, environmental and social benefits for the people of India.
Team Microlit: Please give us a brief about your role at ICAR – Directorate of Weed Research (DWR).
Mr Dibakar: I am Dibakar Roy, working as a Soil Scientist at ICAR – DWR (Directorate of Weed Research). Here, I am primarily dealing with soil fertility, soil biology, environmental soil science management and many other aspects of soil science.
Team Microlit: Tell us more about your laboratory, the instruments you use and the experiments you perform.
Mr Dibakar: Basically, soil science lab is just like chemistry. Analysis of soil pH, EC, soil organic carbon, available nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and micronutrients are a part of our daily routine work. We are using the instruments like pH & EC metres (for measuring the pH and electrical conductivity), macro-Kjeldahl apparatus (for nitrogen estimation), Flame photometer (for estimation of potassium), Spectrophotometer (for estimation of phosphorus and others parameters), Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (for Fe, Cu, Ni, Zn, Mn, Cd, Cr etc.) and Microwave digestion system.
Team Microlit: Let’s talk about the Microlit products that are being used in your laboratory. Do you use Microlit products for a particular application / dispensing any specific chemical?
Mr Dibakar: We use Microlit’s Beatus Bottle Top Dispenser for handling hazardous chemicals, especially acids such as H2SO4 or HCl, that need to be dealt with utmost care to avoid accidents and mishaps. The usage of beakers and measuring cylinders is impractical and unsafe today; therefore, we prefer acid dispensers for handling acids. Currently, we are using two Beatus Bottle Top dispensers (with recirculation valve) from Microlit.
Team Microlit: How were chemicals dispensed in your laboratory before you got introduced with Microlit’s Bottle Top Dispensers / Micropipettes.
Mr Dibakar: We were stuck to using manual beakers & measuring cylinders before getting introduced to Bottle Top Dispensers. We got to know about the utility and safety of BTDs. These instruments serve for a really long time. Furthermore, from a pricing point of view, they are quite economical and value for money products for a chemistry-based research lab like ours.
Team Microlit: How have Microlit products helped in simplifying routine/recurring procedures?
Mr Dibakar: Before the introduction of Microlit products, we were highly dependent on other old-school methods and some similar products that were very costly. After using Microlit products, I can say they are accurate and reasonably priced, which means they are great value for money.
Initially, we purchased two dispensers; one for 2.5-30 mL and another for 1-10 mL. The large (2.5-30 mL) acid dispenser is used for Sulfuric and Hydrochloric acid (H2SO4 and HCl) and the small (1-10 mL) acid dispenser is used dedicatedly for orthophosphoric acid (H3PO4). Actually, estimation of soil organic carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus and preparation of various reagents needs acids (especially H2SO4 and HCl). Almost 50% of analysis work comprises the use of those acids of any kind. After making the first purchase, I re-purchased another Bottle Top Dispenser due to its ease of handling (which saves our time and makes the process relatively faster) and precision with results. Now, I recommend Microlit as the products are of excellent quality products and at a reasonable price.
Team Microlit: On a rating scale of 5, how would you score Microlit products used in your laboratory?
Mr Dibakar :
Accuracy & Precision: 5/5 –
In the soil analysis, we need high precision standards which are difficult to meet by manual old-school methods. However, Microlit bottle top dispensers are very accurate and give precise results and they meet our expectations.
Convenience/Ease of Use: 5/5 –
The Microlit products are really easy to use. Till now, we have not faced any difficulties while using your products. So, it’s a yes for 5 out of 5 from our side.
Safety: 5/5 –
Safety is a big concern, especially in the soil and weed industry. While using your products such as micropipettes, we feel extra safe and compact so there is no reason to worry. A total of 5 out of 5 for safety.
Chemical Compatibility: 4/5 –
For chemical compatibility, I found some minor issues while working with Hydrochloric acid (HCl) and hence I would rate it as 4 out of 5. It has great compatibility with all the reagents.
Pricing: 5/5 –
With price, I feel your products are neither cheap nor expensive and they are reasonably priced.
I believe price and quality are two things that can’t be compromised and I feel Microlit has balanced both very well. Hence, I would rate a 5 out of 5. But the prices of products shouldn’t be increased. My suggestion is to keep offering the same prices as we will keep ordering more products, so request your team to make no changes in pricing. ???
Your overall experience with Microlit products.
As I mentioned earlier, I am quite satisfied with Microlit products and my purchases. We have performed a trial on micropipettes and they are extremely handy and accurate. Overall, I would like to encourage your readers to invest in Microlit’s products as they are highly precise and provide accurate results.
