Open-Source Photometric System for Enzymatic Nitrate Quantification: Difference between revisions

Revision as of 02:05, 8 August 2015

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Source

Wittbrodt BT, Squires DA, Walbeck J, Campbell E, Campbell WH, Pearce JM. (2015) Open-Source Photometric System for Enzymatic Nitrate Quantification. PLoS ONE 10(8): e0134989. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0134989 open access

This project derived from: Open-source mobile water quality testing platform
STL files for 3D printing case
OpenSCAD code: File:Photometer.scad
Open Source Software: https://github.com/NitrateEliminationCo/NECiOpenWater

Abstract

Nitrate, the most oxidized form of nitrogen, is regulated to protect people and animals from harmful levels as there is a large over abundance due to anthropogenic factors. Widespread field testing for nitrate could begin to address the nitrate pollution problem, however, the Cadmium Reduction Method, the leading certified method to detect and quantify nitrate, demands the use of a toxic heavy metal. An alternative, the recently proposed Environmental Protection Agency Nitrate Reductase Nitrate-Nitrogen Analysis Method, eliminates this problem but requires an expensive proprietary spectrophotometer. The development of an inexpensive portable, handheld photometer will greatly expedite field nitrate analysis to combat pollution. To accomplish this goal, a methodology for the design, development, and technical validation of an improved open-source water testing platform capable of performing Nitrate Reductase Nitrate-Nitrogen Analysis Method. This approach is evaluated for its potential to i) eliminate the need for toxic chemicals in water testing for nitrate and nitrite, ii) reduce the cost of equipment to perform this method for measurement for water quality, and iii) make the method easier to carryout in the field. The device is able to perform as well as commercial proprietary systems for less than 15% of the cost for materials. This allows for greater access to the technology and the new, safer nitrate testing technique.

Bill of Materials

Cost breakdown of the photometer case and electronics (Digikey part # unless externally referenced).

Electronic Schematics

How to use it

NECi Superior Enzymes
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OS spectrometer being used to test soil with simplified nitrate test kit.

NECi's Nitrate Test Kits are enzyme based unlike other nitrate test kits commercially available. Enzymes are proteins, biologically derived, meaning that they are safe to handle and dispose of. These kits are easy to use and are excellent educational tools for learning about enzymatic activity, water quality, biochemistry, agriculture, and more. Ask about our "education discount" for classroom use. No laboratory training is required, and results are ready within 30 minutes.

Compact and lightweight kit design allows for easy instant on-site nitrate determination in the field. The US EPA and many states sponsor programs for citizens to monitor water quality in their community (More information from the EPA here). These kits will measure nitrate in both fresh and salt water.

Instructions

In all cases you can get a rough estimate from the color chart - but to get precise readings as you would from a professional lab you need to use the open source photometer.

For more information on the test kits, contact NECi Superior Enzymes at 888.NITRATE or visit nitrate.com.

In the news

Making a Better Nitrate Test Kit - Michigan Tech News, Phys.org, Science News Online, Product Design and Development, Lab Manager Magazine, R&D Magazine
New Compact and Affordable Nitrate Test Kit Developed for Citizens - SciCasts
MICHIGAN TECH LAB MAKING A BETTER NITRATE TEST KIT - Tech Century
Michigan Tech students create nitrate testing device - TV6 (NBC) and Fox UP

@@ Line 41: / Line 41: @@
 | OS spectrometer being used to test soil with simplified nitrate test kit.
 |}
+NECi's Nitrate Test Kits are enzyme based unlike other nitrate test kits commercially available.  Enzymes are proteins, biologically derived, meaning that they are safe to handle and dispose of.  These kits are easy to use and are excellent educational tools for learning about enzymatic activity, water quality, biochemistry, agriculture, and more.  Ask about our "education discount" for classroom use.  No laboratory training is required, and results are ready within 30 minutes.
+Compact and lightweight kit design allows for easy instant on-site nitrate determination in the field.''  ''The US EPA and many states sponsor programs for citizens to monitor water quality in their community (More information from the EPA [http://water.epa.gov/type/rsl/monitoring/  here]).  These kits will measure nitrate in both fresh and salt water.
+===Instructions===
+* [http://nitrate.com/sites/default/files/instructions/Water%20Nitrate%20Test%20Kit%20Standard%20Range.doc Standard Range Water Nitrate Test Kit]
+* [http://nitrate.com/sites/default/files/instructions/Water%20Nitrate%20Test%20Kit%20Low%20Range.doc Low Range Water Nitrate Test Kit]
+* [http://nitrate.com/sites/default/files/instructions/SDS%20Ag%20and%20Water%20Test%20kits%20Jan2015AMD.doc SDS for Simplified Field Test Kits]
+In all cases you can get a rough estimate from the color chart - but to get precise readings as you would from a professional lab you need to use the open source photometer.
 For more information on the test kits, contact NECi Superior Enzymes at 888.NITRATE or visit [http://www.nitrate.com nitrate.com].