Multi Physical-Chemical profiler for real-time in situ monitoring of trace metal speciation and master variables: Development, validation and field applications

A detailed description of the system is given. A summary of the laboratory and on-field tests performed to characterize and validate the MPCP measurements is presented. Finally, examples of attended and remote in situ MPCP monitoring/profiling in estuaries and coastal sea waters are reported. The results indicate that the system is reliable and that in situ simultaneous measurements of the three distinct fractions of trace metals can be achieved down to concentrations at the ppt level using square wave anodic stripping voltammetry (SWASV). They also demonstrated the significant advantages of the MPCP in terms of spatial and temporal resolution of data and thus its usefulness for cost effective, more efficient environmental monitoring and pollution control.