Evaluation of a hydrogen signal detection method using a compact NMR sensor for the measurement of ion concentrations in culture medium

Abstract

In recent years, the demand for highly nutritious and functional vegetables has been increasing in the agricultural sector. In order to cultivate highly functional vegetables, it is necessary to adjust the nutrients in the soil, such as potassium ions, to an optimal state. Therefore, there is a need for a sensor that can measure soil ion concentration in real time in the field. In this report, we aim to develop an ion concentration sensor using Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR). Since the sensor observes atomic specific behavior, it has the potential to measure the concentration of each ion species in soil where multiple ions exist. In this study, we aim to realize compact NMR and to establish a method for NMR measurement of water ahead of ion measurement. Using an NMR measurement system of our own design, we measured water and air. As a result, NMR signal spectra were obtained only when measuring water under resonance conditions, and resonance frequency of hydrogen atoms were successfully measured. We have established an NMR signal measurement method for measuring ion concentrations using a small NMR sensor that can be installed in the agriculture.