Aquamonitrix: Portable Ion Chromatography | 18 Sep 2025

Source: TH

A portable ion chromatograph, Aquamonitrix, has been developed to enable on-site analysis of nitrate and nitrite ions, benefiting both environmental monitoring and classroom teaching.

• Ion chromatography is a laboratory technique used to separate and measure ions (charged particles) in a sample.
  • The technique involves passing a liquid sample through a long column that separates ions based on their individual properties.

Aquamonitrix

• About: It is a portable ion chromatograph developed by Australian scientists.
  • It is small, battery-operated, and nearly ten times cheaper than traditional lab-based equipment.
• Working Mechanism: Soil water is collected using a vacuum pump, filtered, and injected into the Aquamonitrix unit, where a sodium chloride solution carries the sample. 
  • The unit's UV light detector displays distinct peaks for nitrate and nitrite ions, avoiding interference from other ions.
• Applications:
  • Education: Aquamonitrix serves as an effective teaching tool, bridging the gap between classroom learning and real-world applications in chemistry.
  • Environmental Monitoring: Aquamonitrix can be used to monitor nitrate and nitrite pollution in soil and water.
  • Agriculture: It helps optimize fertilizer use and prevents overuse.
  • Water Safety: The device can be used to test drinking water quality on-site.