Nutrient Analyzers & Sensors

Nutrient Analyzers & Sensors

Nutrient analyzers and sensors measure key species such as ammonium, nitrate, nitrite, and phosphate that drive biological performance and effluent compliance. Technologies range from ion-selective electrodes and optical methods to wet-chemistry analyzers that use reagents and photometric detection for high selectivity. Transmitters and analyzers provide compensated values, diagnostics, and outputs for real-time control and reporting.

The benefit is tighter control of treatment performance with lower operating cost. Continuous nutrient monitoring enables optimized aeration and chemical dosing, reduces energy use, and improves stability through changing loads. Early warning of nutrient spikes helps prevent permit excursions and protects receiving waters from eutrophication impacts. Reliable nutrient trends also support process optimization efforts such as sidestream treatment tuning and carbon source management.

Common applications include activated sludge control (nitrification/denitrification), biological nutrient removal, and tertiary treatment monitoring. Ammonium measurement is frequently used for aeration control and nitrification performance, while nitrate provides insight into denitrification and internal recycle effectiveness. Phosphate monitoring supports chemical precipitation control and verification of polishing steps. Nutrient measurement is also relevant for industrial wastewater where influent composition changes rapidly.

Successful use depends on selecting the right method for the matrix and maintenance resources. Ion-selective sensors offer fast response but require attention to interferences, ionic strength, and cleaning to manage fouling. Optical nitrate methods can provide rapid trends but may need compensation for turbidity and organics. Wet-chemistry analyzers provide strong selectivity but require reagent management, sample conditioning, and waste handling designed for safe, consistent operation.

Operational best practices include routine validation with lab methods, cleaning schedules aligned to fouling rates, and using diagnostics to identify drift or sample handling issues early. Integrating nutrient data with dissolved oxygen, ORP, and flow signals enables robust control of aeration and chemical addition. When nutrient measurement is treated as a control instrument - not just a reporting tool - both compliance and operating efficiency improve.

Forberg Smith, an exclusive authorized representative of sales and service for Endress+Hauser.