Emerging technology being developed at the University of Canterbury (UC) could revolutionise nitrate monitoring in waterways.
The novel electrochemical sensing system offers the advantages of selectivity and high sensitivity, and when fully developed will also have long life and durability. Additionally, once the system is fully developed, it will be able to send information wirelessly, doing away with manual field sampling and lengthy and expensive laboratory testing.
The electrode is geared to work in waterways such as streams, groundwater, aquifers and estuaries. So, for example, nitrate levels could be measured and electronically sent to regional councils providing real-time information on waterways across catchment areas.
Or a manager at a mussel farm could be alerted when nitrate concentrations are too high, so workers could adjust or ameliorate the environment before harm is done to the product.
Associate Professor Vladimir Golovko and Associate Professor Aaron Marshall have collaborated on projects at UC for about eight years. Chemist Asso Prof Golovko provides expertise in catalytic metal particles (nanomaterials which can be synthesised using chemical techniques) while engineer Asso Prof Marshall works on the electrochemistry side.
The research team identified nitrates as a significant issue for New Zealand, looked at existing technology, and identified a gap in the market for a low-cost and reliable sensor.
Asso Prof Marshall says many countries have similar problems with run-off from farms or over-fertilisation.
“This has huge potential for New Zealand and worldwide,” he says.
(From left to right) University of Canterbury researchers Dr Aaron Marshall, MSc student Ryan Kirk, and Dr Vladimir Golovko could revolutionise nitrate monitoring in waterways with their new electrochemical sensing system.
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