An integrated evaluation approach for metric comparison of analytical techniques, based on diverse requirements. Application in selection of suitable technique for ammonium determination in potable and recycled hygiene water, to be used in manned space missions |
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| Zachariadis, G., Giakisikli, G., Trikas, E., Anthemidis, A., Karapantsios, T. |
- Abstract:
- Water is a basic human need and is provided to the crew of International Space Station (ISS) from the water storage/transfer systems that are placed in there. Except of the direct regular supply of drinking water, the development of proper water recycling systems is equally critical as the employment of reliable automatic water quality monitoring systems. A fully automated on-line analyzer for ammonium determination in consumed drinking water and/or recycled hygiene water produced on board the ISS is needed according to ESA requirements. In this work, a trade-off methodology similar to a weighted-point method, was developed to evaluate appropriate analytical systems, adaptable to space flight requirements. The developed scoring methodology for the assessment of the suitability of the techniques, was based on scales and weighting factors for various applied criteria, like analytical performance (e.g. LOD, LOQ, accuracy, repeatability), adaptation to space flight conditions (e.g. microgravity applicability, volume/mass of the analyzer, solutions consumption, wastes production etc.), safety criteria (e.g. use of hazardous materials/reagents, pressure, heating, flammability), etc. as provided by the manufacturers or in literature. The evaluation approach offers a somehow arbitrary in metrics but still reasonable and countable discrimination between analytical techniques. This evaluation method is a first-time metrological contribution to the frequently appearing issue to select between available techniques taking into account diverse requirements. The proposed approach may be applicable also to evaluation needs for specific analytical techniques/methods, in order to be employed for various other customized purposes. In this particular case, among several technologies which were investigated, sequential injection systems meets the specifications for on-line monitoring in space conditions as it is an integrated flow manifold with small dimensions operating in a totally closed loop preventing any contact or release of the fluids/gases inside the space environment. Also, an appropriate ammonium ion selective electrode with real-time potassium compensation may be used as an alternative solution.
- Keywords:
- analytical techniques, metric comparison, trade off methodology ammonium determination, international space station
- Download:
- IMEKO-TC23-2017-124.pdf
- DOI:
- -
- Event details
- IMEKO TC:
- TC23
- Event name:
- 3rd IMEKOFOODS Conference
- Title:
Metrology Promoting Standardization and Harmonization in Food and Nutrition
- Place:
- Thessaloniki, GREECE
- Time:
- 01 October 2017 - 04 October 2017