On-line spectroscopic monitoring of metal ions for environmental and space applications using photodiode array spectrometry

A photodiode-array spectrometry characterized by fast data acquisition, simultaneous readings at multiple wavelengths, reproducibility, a wide dynamic range, and enhanced accuracy due to a low instrument drift is considered for on-line real-time monitoring of the trace levels of metal ions in water solutions for environmental, power plant, and space applications. An experimental application for NASA's Controlled Ecological Life Support System is outlined along with nuclear-plant monitoring applications. Steps involved in the developing of an algorithm for on-line multicomponent analyses in absorption spectrometry are presented, and a photodiode-array spectrometer used in the described experimental investigations is detailed