Aquamonitrix – Mobile Ion Chromatograph

What Is It?

A small, low-pressure ion chromatograph capable of real-time separation and detection of anions (such as nitrate and nitrite) beyond conventional laboratory environments.

Created By: Researchers from the University of Tasmania in partnership with Aquamonitrix, a firm focused on portable ion analysis tools.

How It Functions?

Sample Preparation: Soil pore water is obtained using a portable vacuum pump and filtered in the field.

Separation: The apparatus employs a brief chromatographic column along with sodium chloride solution as a medium.

Detection: Utilizing a UV absorbance detector, it generates two distinct peaks for nitrate and nitrite, free from interference by other anions.

Power: Operates on battery, allowing for field portability.

Main Characteristics:

Low-Pressure System: Easy to use, affordable, and secure for students.

Eco-Friendly: Utilizes a sodium chloride solution rather than toxic eluent blends.

Small & Powered by Battery: Perfect for field research and ongoing observation.

Easy to Use: Tailored for undergraduate students with little training.

Uses:

Learning Resource: Experiential education for chemistry learners — connecting theory with practical application.

Environmental Monitoring: On-location assessment of nitrogen cycle elements (nitrate, nitrite, ammonia).

Investigation: Ongoing observation in greenhouses, waterways, and wastewater treatment facilities.

Future Prospects: Growth in identifying arsenic, beneficial for evaluating groundwater quality in India and Bangladesh.