Short Description
Spectrometer for determination of water quality parameters (nitrate and organic compounds). The spectrometer emits a light beam in the UV–Vis range (200–800 nm) through a water sample. The detector records the reduction in light intensity at each wavelength, and the resulting absorption spectrum is analyzed. The device is in use in running waters.
Contact Person
Eugenio Diaz-Pines
Research Services
Scientific cooperation is possible. Interested researchers and/or institutions, kindly contact Eugenio Diaz-Pines for further information
Methods & Expertise for Research Infrastructure
Nitrate ions selectively absorb light around 220 nm, while organic compounds also absorb in this region and more strongly at higher wavelengths (around 275 nm). To isolate nitrate, the signal at 220 nm is corrected by subtracting the absorbance at 275 nm, which accounts for interference from dissolved organic matter (TOC). The corrected peak at ~220 nm is then used to quantify nitrate concentration according to Beer–Lambert’s law, while the broader absorption at 275 nm provides information on the organic carbon content.