Photometric Monitoring of Key Water Parameters in Wastewater Treatment Plants
February 19, 2025
Knowledge & guidance
In modern wastewater treatment, precise water sample analysis plays a crucial role in ensuring compliance with environmental standards and optimizing the efficiency of treatment plants. Photometry has become an essential method, as it allows for fast and accurate determination of various parameters.
What is a Photometer?
A photometer is used to determine dissolved substances in water. It operates based on the principle of photometry, where the absorption of light by a water sample is measured at a specific wavelength. In wastewater treatment plants, this method is particularly valuable as it helps identify potentially hazardous substances in both wastewater and drinking water. It also enables the monitoring of parameters such as ammonium, nitrite, total bound nitrogen, total phosphorus, and sum parameters like COD (Chemical Oxygen Demand), TOC (Total Organic Carbon), and BOD5 (Biochemical Oxygen Demand over 5 days).Choosing the Right Photometer:
When selecting the right photometer, the construction type plays a crucial role. In water analysis, two main types of photometers are generally used: the filter photometer and the spectrophotometer. Below are some of the advantages and disadvantages of each type of photometer:Filter Photometer in Water Analysis
Functionality:
• Uses optical filters to isolate a specific wavelength of light.• Light passes through the water sample, and the amount absorbed is measured.
• The concentration of the target substance is determined based on a calibration curve.
Advantages:
• Easy to use.• Cost-effective.
• Robust and reliable for routine analyses.
Disadvantages:
• Fixed wavelengths (limited flexibility).• Lower accuracy compared to a spectrophotometer.
Spectrophotometer in Water Analysis
Functionality:
• Uses a monochromator to split light into a continuous spectrum.• Allows continuous wavelength selection, often between 190–1100 nm (UV, visible, and near-infrared range).
• Suitable for multi-component analysis and complex chemical measurements.
Advantages:
• Higher accuracy and sensitivity.• Broader measurement range (can measure more substances).
• Flexible wavelength selection for various analyses.
Disadvantages:
• More expensive than a filter photometer.• Slightly more complex to operate.
The NANOCOLOR® Advance Spectrophotometer - The Future is Spectral
For the effective implementation of photometric analyses in water and wastewater analysis, MACHEREY-NAGEL has developed the NANOCOLOR® Advance spectrophotometer. This device combines the key features of portable compact filter photometers with the high precision of spectrophotometers. It delivers accurate and reliable results for daily lab routines and can also be used mobile thanks to its rechargeable battery. With a wavelength range of 340–800 nm, it allows the measurement of all photometrically assessable test kits from MACHEREY-NAGEL.Key Features of the NANOCOLOR® Advance
User-Friendliness: The device features an intuitive icon-based menu and a high-resolution 10.1-inch touchscreen, making operation simple. It also includes the well-known and proven barcode technology, enabling the easiest and fastest measurement of NANOCOLOR® round cuvette tests.
Automatic Turbidity Detection (NTU Check): An integrated 860-nm LED automatically detects disturbing turbidity in round cuvettes, ensuring reliable results. It alerts the user to potential errors caused by turbidity. This feature helps avoid measurement mistakes and establishes a foundation for dependable results, ensuring unparalleled measurement reliability in water analysis.
Versatility: The 24-mm cuvette chamber expands application possibilities, allowing the use of various cuvette types, including test kits from the VISOCOLOR® ECO and VISOCOLOR® Powder Pillow ranges. Additionally, the scan menu allows for spectral recording across the entire wavelength range—an advanced tool that helps select the optimal wavelength for custom methods.
Robustness: The NANOCOLOR® Advance is designed for use under various conditions. It is waterproof and dustproof according to IP 67 standards and passes the vibration test according to military standard 810H (only 514.8 Cat. 4). Its built-in lithium-ion battery provides enough power to perform daily water analyses for an entire week.
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