HORIBA LAQUAtwin Potassium Ion Meter

Due to its great reactivity, the alkali metal potassium occurs in nature only in potassium compounds. It is one of the ten most abundant elements in the earth's crust and is an essential component of all body cells.

As an electrolyte, it regulates the water balance of the cells and the acid-base balance of the human body.

In industry and medicine, potassium is used, among other things, for the production of glass, aluminum, construction and colorants, foodstuffs, detergents or for dialysis and infusion solutions. Industrial agriculture uses it in fertilizers, as potassium is lost during harvesting and must be replaced.

Application examples:

Soil analysis

Potassium is a natural chemical element and a nutrient that occurs in every soil. The ideal potassium value is between 8 and 10 mg of potassium per 100g in light soils and between 13 and 25 mg in heavy soils.

Regular monitoring of nutrient levels - not only potassium (K) but also nitrate (NO3) and calcium (Ca2+) - not only maximizes yields if the ideal value is maintained, but also minimizes fertilizer use and environmental pollution.

Potatoes, tomatoes, pumpkins and cucumbers, for example, have a particularly high potassium requirement, because potassium regulates the water balance and is partly responsible for the healthy structure of cell walls. 

Excess potassium, on the other hand, can lead to root damage and corresponding growth disorders and inhibit the plant's magnesium uptake. 

Therefore, soil analysis should ideally always take into account the various soil parameters, as many soil nutrients can influence each other both positively and negatively.

With the handheld LAQUA Twin Potassium Ion Tester (K+) from Horiba, you can perform your soil analysis quickly and easily on site.

Freshwater aquaristics

In tap water, potassium is usually a deficient element, especially in relation to calcium and magnesium concentrations. 

Thus, the Horiba handheld potassium meter can also be helpful in freshwater aquaristics for water analysis. 

This is because both above and below water, the macro element influences photosynthesis and regulates the energy balance of the plant cell.

For checking a balanced ratio of potassium, magnesium and calcium in your aquarium, the respective individual water meters from Horiba offer you quick and easy sampling with immediate results.

Measuring sodium and potassium concentrations in the sweat of athletes

During regular sporting activity, not only the compensation of fluid loss through drinking, but also that of mineral loss are important and can subsequently put a great strain on the body.

Sweat consists mainly of water and the minerals dissolved in it. These in turn influence the acid-base balance in the body. Therefore, due to the loss during sweating, it is important to ensure an adequate supply of alkaline mineral compounds such as potassium, calcium and magnesium.

While calcium, and to a lesser extent magnesium, can be absorbed through good mineral water, potassium is hardly contained in mineral or tap water. In general, potassium, among other things, is often taken in too small quantities. For this reason, athletes in particular should make sure that they get enough potassium from their diet. Because potassium contributes to an optimal muscle function.

Its value can be determined quickly and easily using the Horiba Pocket Tester. 

As a "pocket laboratory", the LAQUAtwin hand-held potassium ion meter is therefore ideal for quick analyses, as it provides an accurate result in a wide range of applications with just a few sample drops. Samples no longer have to be submitted to a laboratory in a costly and time-consuming manner, but can provide results directly on site within a few seconds. 

In addition, because the sensor does not dry out, the Horiba pocket tester can be stored dry without any problems. 

All Horiba LAQUAtwin pockettesters are dustproof and waterproof.