Attachment 1 Specifications.pdf

Specifications Project: Laboratory bench-top multi-parameter water analyzer

1.0 Scope of Work:

The USDA-ARS, Soil and Water Management Research Unit seeks a laboratory-scale (bench-top) water quality analyzer capable of measuring a variety of environmental analytes in surface and subsurface waters (ponds, lakes, streams, rivers, drainage, and soil waters) of agricultural landscapes.

2.0 Background:

The St. Paul ARS Soil and Water Management Research Unit conducts research on improving environmental quality in agricultural landscapes. Concentrations of analytes such as: phosphate, nitrate/nitrite, ammonia, sulfate, pH, conductivity, and Bromine are routine measurements of water quality and important for evaluating environmental impacts of agricultural management practices, alternative cropping systems, and conservation practices. The current workhorse for performing water analyses in many environmental laboratories (including the Soil and Water Management Research Unit in St. Paul, MN) is the Lachat flow injection analyzer manufactured and sold by Hach. Hach has discontinued production of their Lachat Flow Injection Analysis System; meaning that it will become increasingly difficult to find parts and service necessary to maintain and operate the system over time. In anticipation of these future analytical challenges, and in an attempt to improve laboratory throughput while simultaneously reducing chemical waste and decreasing demands on technician time, we seek a replacement analyzer capable of measuring a wide range of environmental analytes in waters relevant to aquatic systems and agricultural landscapes.

3.0 Technical Requirements/Tasks:

Required specifications for lab-scale environmental water analyzer:

• Fully automated discrete analyzer with built in sampler and reagents.

• Capable, at a minimum, of analyzing: Nitrate, Nitrite, Phosphate, Sulfate, Ammonia, Total

Phosphorus, Total Kjeldahl Nitrogen

• Desirable to also analyze: Conductivity, pH, Bromide, and ORP (oxidation reduction potential).

• Analyzer based on photometry.

• Pre-made reagents and consumables to reduce setup time and minimize user error.

• Integrated automatic probe washing for the sample, reagent, and mixer to avoid cross-contamination.

• System must be capable of auto-dilution if sample values are out of range.

• Minimum capacity of 60 samples.

• Software compatible with Windows Operating system (64 bit).

• Instrument installation performed by a trained and certified technician.

• Instrument training provided which includes: theory, hardware, maintenance, software operation, and trouble shooting.

4.0 Deliverables / Schedule: Equipment should be delivered to: USDA-ARS, Soil and Water Management Research Unit, 1991 Upper Buford Circle, Rm 439 Borlaug Hall., St. Paul, MN 55108; Delivery within 90 days of award.