Development of a rapid sensor system for nitrate detection in water using enhanced Raman spectroscopy

Abstract

Nitrate is a primary source of nitrogen pollution in aquatic environments, making timely monitoring of its levels in surface and drinking water essential for environmental protection and public health. Conventional laboratory methods are time-consuming and require specialized expertise, while chemical electrode-based online detection systems are hindered by challenges—such as frequent calibration and ion cross-interference—which limits their suitability for long-term monitoring. To address these limitations, a novel nitrate detection method, utilizing an enhanced Raman spectroscopy device, was developed to rapidly detect nitrate in water. The incorporation of an optical feedback mechanism significantly improved detection sensitivity, achieving a detection limit of 2.89 mg per L N, with single sample analysis completed in under one minute. Furthermore, a compact and portable detection system was designed by integrating the Raman enhancement device with a handheld Raman spectrometer, which was successfully validated using real-world environmental water samples. The proposed nitrate detection system features a streamlined user design and user-friendly operation, offering an innovative approach for rapid water pollution detection and early warning. It also provides a foundation for establishing continuous online monitoring systems for water quality.