Wastewater Analysis System Sensitivity via Sequential Subsampling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wastewater analysis systems are time-consuming and cost-intensive, especially when detecting low analyte concentrations, as they require frequent sampling and laboratory analysis, which cannot be conducted at the same frequency as sampling, leading to inefficiencies and potential false negatives due to analyte concentrations below detection limits.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that involves sequentially collecting subsamples from wastewater, determining secondary analyte concentrations, selecting subsamples within a predetermined region for forming a total sample, and analyzing the primary analyte concentration using a detection device, thereby increasing sensitivity and reducing costs and sampling effort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If samples are collected at high frequency and mixed over a defined period, then the sampling frequency can be maintained, but the detection sensitivity for low analyte concentrations deteriorates due to dilution effects
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary concentration of the analyte in the wastewater sample before analysis. By concentrating the analyte beforehand, the detection sensitivity is improved while maintaining the ability to process samples at high frequency through automated sampling and concentration procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the concentration parameter of the analyte in the sample by performing concentration steps. This parameter change enables detection of low analyte concentrations that would otherwise be below the detection limit when samples are mixed over extended periods.
2Measurement precision
If laboratory analysis is performed for every sample, then detection sensitivity is maximized, but time consumption and costs increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of performing full laboratory analysis on every sample, the system applies partial action by using rapid detection methods for preliminary screening. Only samples that meet certain criteria undergo complete laboratory analysis, reducing overall time and cost while maintaining detection sensitivity for relevant cases.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces time-consuming mechanical laboratory procedures with automated detection devices and rapid analysis methods. This substitution maintains detection capability while significantly reducing the time required for analysis.
3Measurement precision
If complete laboratory analysis is performed on all mixed samples, then accurate detection is achieved, but material consumption and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies partial analysis to all samples through rapid detection, and only performs complete laboratory analysis on samples that require it. This approach maintains detection accuracy for critical samples while reducing overall reagent consumption and material costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The system extracts only the necessary samples for complete analysis after preliminary screening. By separating samples into different analysis categories based on preliminary results, the system reduces material consumption while maintaining detection accuracy for relevant cases.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach allows for reliable detection of analytes at low concentrations, minimizing costs and effort by analyzing only the most relevant samples, improving the detection limit and reducing false negatives, while optimizing sampling logistics and analysis workflow.
Implementation Method 1
A color reaction of the mixture caused thereby is subsequently measured by an appropriate measuring device, such as, for example, a photometer. Thus, the measured value is determined by the receiver, based upon light absorption and a stored calibration model.
Implementation Method 2
These measured variables can be acquired and/or monitored for example by means of electrochemical sensors, such as optical, potentiometric, amperometric, voltammetric, or coulometric sensors, or also conductivity sensors.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a method for increasing the sensitivity of a wastewater analysis system for a primary analyte in a total sample of wastewater having a primary analyte and a secondary analyte. The method steps include steps of determining a primary analyte concentration of the primary analyte using a detection device that is suitable for determining a primary analyte concentration of the primary analyte. The primary analyte concentration correlates with a feces concentration and/or an ammonium concentration. A secondary analyte concentration of the secondary analyte is determined using a sensor. A sampler is suitable for taking a plurality of subsamples from the wastewater and storing the subsamples, and a computing unit providing sequential collection of the plurality of subsamples from the wastewater by the sampler at predetermined times over a predetermined period of time.