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Micropumping multicommutation turbidimetric analysis of waters
Eva Ródenas-Torralba1, Angel Morales-Rubio, André F Lavorante
1Departamento de Química Analítica, Universitat de València, 50 Dr. Moliner St., 46100 Burjassot, Valencia, Spain.
Talanta
|December 17, 2008
Summary
A new flow analysis system efficiently measures water turbidity using micro-pumps and on-line dilution for accurate nephelometric turbidity units (NTU) determination. This method minimizes waste and enables rapid, in-situ measurements.
Area of Science:
- Analytical Chemistry
- Environmental Science
- Instrumentation Engineering
Background:
- Turbidity is a key water quality parameter.
- Traditional methods can be time-consuming and reagent-intensive.
- Need for efficient and portable water quality monitoring tools.
Purpose of the Study:
- Develop a micropumping multicommutation manifold for water turbidity determination.
- Create an automated system for on-line standard dilution and sample analysis.
- Validate the system for in-situ turbidimetric measurements.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a flow system with two solenoid micro-pumps for sample/standard and carrier introduction.
- Employed hydrazine sulfate and hexamethylenetetramine for external turbidity standards.
- Developed on-line dilution of a formazine standard for calibration up to 160 NTU.
- Integrated a light-emitting diode (LED)-based portable instrument for in-situ analysis.
Main Results:
- Achieved a linear response up to 160 NTU with low coefficients of variation (1.6-3.2%).
- Enabled approximately 60 determinations per hour with low detection limits (0.1-1 NTU).
- Demonstrated successful application to 11 water samples with high recovery rates (97.5-100%).
- Portable instrument achieved LOD values of 0.09-0.1 NTU.
Conclusions:
- The developed system offers an efficient, low-waste method for water turbidity analysis.
- The portable LED-based instrument is suitable for rapid in-situ turbidimetric measurements.
- This approach enhances water quality monitoring capabilities in the field.
