Nutrient analysers
Contents
Introduction
Nutrient analysers are oceanographic instruments to measure the concentration of certain nutrients in situ. While most measurements of nutrients are still made by taking water samples for later analysis in the lab a variety of in situ instruments has become available that automatically measure nutrient concentrations at pre-programmed intervals. These instruments allow a much higher temporal resolution of measurements than what can be achieved by taking samples.
Most of the nutrient analysers are based on proven wet-chemical laboratory analysis methods. In recent years nitrate analysers based on the absorbance of ultraviolet light by nitrate in water have been introduced.
Wet chemical analysers
A variety of wet chemical nutrient analysers exist on the market.
Optical nitrate analysers
These instruments are working without any reagents and have a very fast response (on the order of 1 s) and therefore are also suitable for measurements during profiling work, on towed vehicles and AUV's. The detection limits depend on the length of the optical absorption path, generally these instruments are not well suited for low nitrate concentrations (< 1 umol).
The deployment time of the optical instruments are limited by available electric power (batteries) and/or biofouling (though for some instruments anti-biofouling measures can be added).
Literature
- Grasshoff, K., Kremling, K., Erhardt, M. (eds.) (1999), Methods of Seawater Analysis, Wiley-VCH, 600 pp., ISBN: 978-3527295890
- Johnson, K.S., Coletti, L.J., 2002. In situ ultraviolet spectrophotometry for high resolution and long-term monitoring of nitrate, bromide and bisulfide in the ocean. Deep-Sea Research I 49, 1291-1305.
- Johnson, K.S., J.A. Needoba, S.C. Riser, W.J. Showers, 2007. Chemical Sensor Networks for the Aquatic Environment, Chem. Rev., 107, 623-640.
External Links
- Satlantic Optical nitrate analysers, water quality monitor. Accessed 14.5.2007
- TriOS Optical Sensors Optical nitrate analysers. Accessed 14.5.2007
- Systea S.p.a., wet chemical nutrient analysers. Accessed 14.5.2007
- SubChem Systems Inc., submersible chemical analysers for nutrients, trace metals. Accessed 14.5.2007
- YSI Inc., nutrient analysers. Accessed 14.5.2007
- EnviroTech LLC, nutrient analysers. Accessed 14.5.2007
- Alliance for Coastal Technologies, database of instruments for studying and monitoring of the coastal environment, technology evaluations, needs & use assessments. Accessed 14.5.2007
