Direct sensing of total alkalinity profile in a stratified lake

Abstract

We demonstrate the direct detection of a total alkalinity depth profile through the use of an integrated thin layer electrochemical modulation instrument which acts as an alkalinity sensor. The technique uses a chemically selective proton pump that alters the concentration of hydrogen ions in the thin layer sample. As the proton pump releases hydrogen ions the resulting pH is recorded at the pH probe placed directly opposite the thin sample gap. This results in an acid-base titration that takes place directly in the thin layer sample and therefore obviates the need for traditional sample manipulation. Collected samples from a stratified lake were assessed with this alkalinity probe to record a total alkalinity profile, indicating a substantial increase from 2.59 to 4.11 mM with depth. Results of the new method were in excellent agreement with titration alkalinity data, and offer the potential for autonomous on site measurements of this key parameter.