An Inexpensive Flow‐Through Cell and Measurement System for Monitoring Selected Chemical Parameters in Ground Water

Abstract

AbstractAn inexpensive flow‐through cell was designed and constructed to enable the accurate measurement of redox potential (Eh), conductivity and pH from shallow monitoring wells. The cell accepts sample water from inert gas‐operated bladder pumps. The electrodes are monitored by meters mounted in a portable rugged waterproof carrying case. The cell is useful for monitoring the purging of stagnant water from the well prior to sample collection for chemical analysis, as well as to provide pH, Eh and conductivity data under conditions as close to in situ as presently practical. In conjunction with the development of the flow‐through cell and measuring system, a portable field kit was constructed and equipped to determine the alkalinity of the water via modified Gran plot titration, immediately upon sample collection.In addition to the measurement cell system, an in‐line membrane filtration system was developed, that included valves to sequentially switch to different filter units, in case of membrane plugging.