In situ flow-Injection monitoring of ammonia in landfill leachate

Martin J. Bloxham, Michael H. Depledge, Paul J. Worsfold

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Aportable, 12 Vbattery-powered,automated spectrophotometric field monitor has been developed that permits the continuous long-term recording of the total ammonia concentration in the surrounding aquatic environment. The flow-injection (FI)-based monitor incorporates a gas diffusion unit and an acceptor stream containing an acid-base indicator. The detection system utilizes a red solid-state light-emitting diode source and photodiode detector. Remote control and data processing are achieved by an inhouse-designed microcomputer system. The instrumentation was fully evaluated in the laboratory and was shown to operate unattended for periods of up to 1 week (analyzing every hour) before battery charging and reagent replacement were required. The precision and accuracy of the chemical monitor was examined by continuously analyzing a sample of a known ammonia concentration (80.0 mg L-1 NH3-N) at 60 minute intervals over a 7 day period (n = 170). The calculated mean concentration was 79.0 mg L-1 (using 50 and 150 mg L-1 standards) with an RSD of 5.2%. The detection limit (3σ) was determined as 2.5 mg L-1. The feasibility of using the system in situ was demonstrated by a 2 week field trial in which the automated field monitor was successfully deployed at a landfill leachate lagoon. Data from the trial are presented, and the potential applications of the system in environmental management are discussed. © 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)175-183
Number of pages0
JournalLaboratory Robotics and Automation
Volume9
Issue number4
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Jan 1997

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