Automatic colorimetric analyzer prototype for high frequency measurement of nutrients in seawater

This paper describes the characteristics of a prototype of a modular multiparametric analyzer (MicroMAC FAST MP3) for automatic monitoring of seawater and analytical methods for nutrients. The MicroMAC FAST reactor is an evolution of the basic LFA (Loop Flow Analysis) reactor. It has been conceived to assay ammonium, nitrate–nitrite and orthophosphate at low concentration in seawater samples. A sample analysis is 3–4 times faster than that obtainable with a standard LFA reactor. With respect to the previous analyzer a temperature control (30–52 °C) on the measurement cell has been added (only for modules NH4 and PO4), while the colorimeter and the related links for transporting the sample have been moved beyond the Loop and form a hydraulic-optical set almost completely independent from the main LFA. All the steps of a wet-chemical colorimetric analysis method are carried out in an analysis cycle sequentially. The hermetic closed Loop provides full protection against background interference, which is a basic requirement for stable trace analysis. At the start of a cycle the loop is washed and filled with sample. The sample color is measured for compensation. Small amounts of concentrated reagents are added and mixed with high intensity. This new technique allows the preparation of two products of reaction which can be introduced at intervals of 150 s in the measurement cell. The intensity of the color of the reaction product is measured on the colorimeter using a monochromatic light beam of specific wavelength. The statistical test shows that the results of automated and manual analyses agree for all the examined parameters. Precision of all three analyses is ≤ 4% RSD. Multiparametric online analyzer: it is possible to connect the analytical modules to a data logger with analogue and digital signals, in order to have online simultaneous analysis of the sample. A typical application is used during research at sea which vessel does not require an operator.