Low-cost and easy-to-use: A portable photometer for simple and comprehensive analysis of critical water quality parameters

IF 4.9 2区化学 Q1 CHEMISTRY, ANALYTICAL

Microchemical Journal Pub Date : 2025-05-12 DOI:10.1016/j.microc.2025.113946

Elisa Jekel Könnel , Sarah Di Nonno , Roland Ulber

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引用次数: 0

Abstract

Access to clean water remains a global challenge, requiring frequent and reliable assessments of water quality. Key parameters, including phosphate, nitrate, nitrite, ammonium, iron, and copper, significantly influence aquatic ecosystems and human health. Traditional laboratory-based spectroscopy techniques provide precise measurements but are resource-intensive and impractical for routine field applications. In contrast, portable photometric devices offer a cost-effective, user-friendly solution for on-site water analysis.

This study presents a portable, microcontroller-based low-cost photometer designed for field applications, enabling absorbance, fluorescence, and turbidity measurements. Field tests were conducted with simplified and easy-to-use assays to measure phosphate, nitrate, nitrite, ammonium, iron, and copper concentrations in water samples using colour reaction methods. Results were validated against laboratory UV–vis-spectrophotometry and ion chromatography, showing strong correlation and comparable accuracy. The developed photometer showed excellent performance with high linearity. The detection limits for iron, copper, phosphate, ammonium, nitrate, nitrite, and sulphate were 0.020 mg L⁻¹, 0.041 mg L⁻¹, 0.016 mg L⁻¹, 0.002 mg L⁻¹, 0.623 mg L⁻¹, 0.006 mg L⁻¹, and 1.560 mg L⁻¹, respectively. Accuracy, based on the recovery percentage of control samples, ranged from 95 ± 3 % to 107 ± 3 % (n = 3). Results from real water samples showed good agreement with those obtained via ion chromatography. These results show that the portable photometer performs comparably to other portable LED-based optical systems. Additionally, they enhance user understanding of environmental issues and improve accessibility. This study highlights the potential of portable photometers for reliable, low-cost water quality monitoring, supporting applications in citizen science, education, and decentralized environmental management.

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低成本和易于使用：便携式光度计，用于简单和全面的关键水质参数分析

获得清洁水仍然是一项全球性挑战，需要对水质进行频繁和可靠的评估。关键参数，包括磷酸盐、硝酸盐、亚硝酸盐、铵、铁和铜，显著影响水生生态系统和人类健康。传统的基于实验室的光谱技术可以提供精确的测量，但对于常规的现场应用来说，这是资源密集型的，而且不切实际。相比之下，便携式光度仪为现场水分析提供了成本效益高、用户友好的解决方案。本研究提出了一种便携式、基于微控制器的低成本光度计，专为现场应用而设计，可实现吸光度、荧光和浊度测量。现场试验采用简化和易于使用的分析方法，使用颜色反应方法测量水样中的磷酸盐，硝酸盐，亚硝酸盐，铵，铁和铜浓度。结果与实验室紫外-可见分光光度法和离子色谱法验证，显示出很强的相关性和相当的准确性。所研制的光度计具有良好的线性度。铁、铜、磷酸盐、铵、硝酸盐、亚硝酸盐和硫酸盐的检出限分别为0.020 mg L−1、0.041 mg L−1、0.016 mg L−1、0.002 mg L−1、0.623 mg L−1、0.006 mg L−1和1.560 mg L−1。以对照样品的回收率为基础，准确度为95±3% ~ 107±3% （n = 3）。实际水样测定结果与离子色谱法测定结果吻合较好。这些结果表明，便携式光度计的性能与其他便携式led光学系统相当。此外，它们增强了用户对环境问题的理解，并改善了可访问性。这项研究强调了便携式光度计在可靠、低成本的水质监测、支持公民科学、教育和分散环境管理方面的应用方面的潜力。

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来源期刊

Microchemical Journal 化学-分析化学

CiteScore

8.70

自引率

8.30%

发文量

1131

审稿时长

1.9 months

期刊介绍： The Microchemical Journal is a peer reviewed journal devoted to all aspects and phases of analytical chemistry and chemical analysis. The Microchemical Journal publishes articles which are at the forefront of modern analytical chemistry and cover innovations in the techniques to the finest possible limits. This includes fundamental aspects, instrumentation, new developments, innovative and novel methods and applications including environmental and clinical field. Traditional classical analytical methods such as spectrophotometry and titrimetry as well as established instrumentation methods such as flame and graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry, gas chromatography, and modified glassy or carbon electrode electrochemical methods will be considered, provided they show significant improvements and novelty compared to the established methods.