Detection levels of drinking water contaminants using field portable ultraviolet and visible light (uv/vis) spectrophotometry /

by Newkirk, Scott Hunter.

Title of Thesis: “Detection Levels of Drinking Water Contaminants using Field Portable Ultraviolet and Visible Light (UV/Vis) Spectrophotometry” Author: MAJ Scott H. Newkirk Master of Science in Public Health Thesis Directed by: CDR Gary L. Hook Assistant Professor Department of Preventive Medicine and Biometrics The current EPA approved methods for the analysis of drinking water contaminants are expensive, require skilled lab technicians, and are not conducive to military field operations. The HACH DR/4000-U offers an easier, more portable, water detection system using a Ultraviolet/Visible Spectrophotometer. The DR/4000U was tested against 19 EPA inorganic drinking water contaminants at six concentrations. For all 19 contaminants, the DR/4000U was able to detect well below the EPA Maximum Contaminant Levels. The DR/4000U was reasonably accurate and precise. The highest four concentrations were within 25% of the known standards for all 19 contaminants. 97% of the replicate samples analyzed at the highest four concentrations had less then 25% RSD. The system is reasonably compact and rugged but the delicate glassware, many reagents and cleanliness indicate this system is well suited to a climate controlled operating location but is not well suited to field use. iii