A simple spectrophotometric method based on pH-indicators for monitoring partial and total alkalinity in anaerobic processes.
Partial alkalinity, as a measure of bicarbonate concentration, and total alkalinity, as a measure of the concentration of bicarbonate and volatile fatty acids, are useful parameters for monitoring anaerobic digestion processes. This paper reports a new method based on pH-indicators and spectrophotometric measurements for the monitoring of partial and total alkalinity. The method was used in an off-line procedure for monitoring of an anaerobic process and displayed less than 5% deviation from the traditional method of measuring partial and total alkalinity, as well as being rapid and reproducible. A flow injection analysis system based on the method was used on-line for monitoring overload in a UASB reactor, which demonstrated changes in alkalinity not easily registered using traditional methods.
Department of Biotechnology, Center for Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Lund University, P.O. Box 124, S-22100 Lund, Sweden.
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Jantsch
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Mattiasson
D001421:Bacteria, Anaerobic; D019149:Bioreactors; D004784:Environmental Monitoring / Q000379:methods; D006863:Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; D013053:Spectrophotometry / Q000379:methods