Microcomputer-assisted flow-through ASV system

A microcomputer has been adapted for use with a flow-through anodic stripping voltammetry (ASV) instrument developed by the Naval Ocean Systems Center (NOSC). The ASV instrument was originally developed to provide near-real-time analysis of trace metals in seawater. Four years experience with this system in the coastal waters of Florida, Peru and California showed that many ancillary instruments such as pH meters, specific ion meters and fluorometers could be added to better define sharply varying ocean environments. To coordinate the operations of these instruments and to deal with the very large amount of raw data that would be generated, a Motorola 6800 microcomputer was added. Two major system software routines were developed for this application: the first controls ASV instrumentation while the second is a monitor program that enables the system to function as a "stand alone" microcomputer Thus equipped, the system should greatly facilitate trace metal investigations in the field by increasing the amount and accuracy of the data obtained while decreasing routine manual operations. Moreover, with substitution of a simulator for the wet-chemistry electromechanical unit, the system can serve as a tool for developing new software and hardware without investing in new, unproven equipment. The system can be expanded or modified within constraints of size, weight and available memory.