Context
A team of scientists from the University of Tasmania, in collaboration with Aquamonitrix Ltd., has developed a portable ion chromatograph named Aquamonitrix. This device enables real-time, on-site detection of nitrate and nitrite levels, addressing critical needs in environmental monitoring, research, and education.
About Aquamonitrix
- A compact, low-pressure ion chromatograph designed to separate and detect anions (like nitrate and nitrite) outside laboratory settings.
- Developed jointly by the University of Tasmania researchers and Aquamonitrix, a company specializing in field-deployable ion analysis instruments.
Working Mechanism
- Sample Preparation: Soil pore water extracted using a portable vacuum pump, then filtered on-site.
- Separation: Uses a short chromatographic column with sodium chloride solution as the carrier.
- Detection: Equipped with a UV absorbance detector, providing clear peaks for nitrate and nitrite without interference.
- Power: Runs on battery, making it suitable for fieldwork.
Key Features
- Low-Pressure System – simple, cost-effective, and safe for students.
- Eco-Friendly – uses sodium chloride instead of hazardous eluent mixtures.
- Compact & Portable – lightweight, battery-operated, and ideal for field studies.
- User-Friendly – designed for undergraduates with minimal training.
Applications
- Educational Tool – bridges theory and practice for chemistry students.
- Environmental Monitoring – on-site measurement of nitrate, nitrite, and ammonia as part of the nitrogen cycle.
- Research Utility – long-term monitoring in greenhouses, rivers, and water treatment plants.
- Future Potential – can be expanded to detect arsenic, useful for groundwater quality assessment in India and Bangladesh.
Conclusion
The Aquamonitrix portable ion chromatograph is a game-changing innovation in the field of environmental science and education. Its simplicity, eco-friendly design, and real-time monitoring capabilities make it invaluable for students, researchers, and policymakers. In the future, its application in detecting toxic contaminants like arsenic could be crucial for tackling water quality challenges in South Asia and beyond.
Source : The Hindu
