Aquamonitrix – real-time nitrite and nitrate analyser – employs an entirely new method of detection to overcome the problems associated with UV, LED, colorimetric and ISE nitrite and nitrate analysers in real-world environments.
The limitations of existing nitrite and nitrate analysers
Many nitrate analyser are based on UV detection and a smaller number on UV-LED. While these appraoches might provide high accuracy in a laboratory environment, their ability to measure nitrate can be impacted by air bubbles, turbidity, colour, and the presence of organics in real-world freshwater and, in particular wastewater, environments. In addition, as they are primarily designed for nitrate detection, they can have problems providing accurate nitrite readings when nitrate levels are high.
Colorimetric methods for nitrite analysis are based on a chemical (colorimetric) reaction followed by optical detection. So, again air bubbles, turbidity and colour can cause problems. Moreover, many companies and organisations want to avoid the use of hazardous chemicals and the issues associated with contaminated sample disposal.
A third alternative, the ion selective electrode (ISE) probe, is low-cost. But, similarly, outside the laboratory, any organics present may lead to ionic interference. What’s more, it is well acknowledged that ISEs tend to suffer from accuracy drift and need very frequent intervention and recalibration. This, in turn, rules them out in applications where accuracy and/or low requirements for maintenance are desired.
Cannot Measure Nitrite and Nitrate
Limited options for simultaneous but selective detection of nitrate & nitrite. Inability to measure nitrite when nitrate is high.
Interference /Reduced Accurcay
Existing optical and colorimetric methods are prone to inference by organics, colour/turbidity, air bubbles and condensation.
Require Frequent Recalibration
ISEs provide low resolution, accuracy, and precision. High instrument drift.
Blockages & biofouling
Existing analysers suffer from bloackages and biofouling in real-world wastewater & aqcauculture systems.
How Aquamonitrix is different
When designing the Aquamonitrix analyser, we recognised these problems. So we have added a rapid ion chromatography column before the UV-LED detector. Based on its stronger attraction to the column, the nitrate ions pass through more slowly, so the nitrite ions reach the UV-LED detector first. This enables the detector to get a true, accurate reading of nitrite – without being overshadowed by the (usually much larger) nitrate peak. Any organics present in the sample are also separated out, so that both the nitrate and nitrite readings are free from organic interference. Finally the column acts as a ‘trap’ for colour, air- bubbles, condensation and other issues that typically affect the accuracy of optical-based analysers when the are used outside controlled laboratory settings.
Advances provided by Aquamonitrix in your application
True, Specific Values for Nitrite and Nitrate
By employing a unique analytical approach, Aquamonitrix® provides specific, directly measured values of both nitrate and nitrite (not calculated/compensated or combined values for the two anions). Many analysers just measure nitrate – or fail to accurately measure nitrite when high levels of nitrate are also present. Instead, they provide values calculated by algorithm.
The true, real-time values of nitrate and nitrite provided by Aquamonitrix® bring important benefits to ensuring compliance with drinking water standards, optimising wastewater treatment, understanding what is happening in surface and groundwater environments and monitoring water quality in recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS) .
High Accuracy – Even in Very Challenging Matrices
Aquamonitrix®‘s unique analytical approach also separates out interference sources that can impact other analysers in real-world environments. These include air bubbles, condensation, turbidity/colour and organics.
With Aquamonitrix® you can expect accuracies of
- ~ 99% in fresh water
- > 92% in septic wastewater – as demonstrated in the US EPA Advanced Septic Challenge
Robust Against Blockages and Biofouling
- Low bio-fouling potential- even in wastewater and aquaculture environments.
- No need for sample pre-treatment or add-on sampling equipment in wastewater matrices.
- Only microfluidic volumes required for sampling, simplifying sample handling requirements.
Stable Calibration – Even When Moved to a New Sample Matrix
- On being unboxed, Aquamonitrix® requires a once-off check to ensure its factory calibration has held.
- After that, the calibration remains stable – even when the analyser is moved to new matrices. This enables fast and convenient sampling at different points around a facility – or across multiple facilities.
- Our recommended recalibration interval is 12 months, compared with 3 months or less for most nitrate or nitrite analysers.
Broad Analytical Range – Relevant to Water, Wastewater, Environmental & Aquaculture Applications
Analytical Range*
- Nitrate: 0.6 – 500 mg/L NO3- (0.14 to 113 mg/L as N)
- Nitrite: 0.05 – 100 mg/L NO2- (0.01 to 23 mg/L as N)
*We can supply custom ranges within these limits by adjusting the sample loop to suit your needs
Compact & Portable, with Easy Set-Up
- Compact footprint – portable and lightweight (12 kg)
- No site preparation works needed, no specialised sampling infrastructure required
- Can be up and running within two hours of arriving on site
- After the initial once-off calibration, Aquamonitrix® be moved around the site or to different sample matrices and sites without requiring recalibration
- Solar/battery operated version available for sites without mains powe
Real-Time Monitoring, with Instaneous Data Transmission
- Aquamonitrix® can perform a new sampling and analysis cycle as frequently as once every 15 minutes, allowing for near-continuous monitoring.
- A choice data transmission options allows for direct integration with SCADA / your plant control infrastructure
- And/or real-time data communication to our proprietary cloud-based Datamonitrix platform for storing and analysing data; setting alarms and alerts; and receiving real-time analyser self-diagnostic information
- And/or direct real-time data communication to your own preferred data management platform
Low total/lifetime cost of ownership
- Autonomous operation. Eliminates the need for manual sampling and lab analysis of nitrate and nitrite.
- Low technical skill needs. Minimal requirements for intervention/maintenance.
- Long intervals between servicing, and a straightforward service procedure, which can be carried out inhouse – or by an agnostic service company – with all training available by video
- No need for capital spend on site infrastructure or for add-on sampling equipment – even in wastewater environments
- Low reagent use and costs
