ANALYTICAL TECHNIQUES FOR THE IN-SITU MEASUREMENT AND SPECIATION OF TRACE COMPOUNDS IN NATURAL-WATERS

A major research component of the analytical activities of the Analyti cal and Biophysical Environmental Chemistry group of the University of Geneva (CABE) is focused on the development of chemical sensors and m ini or microanalytical systems for in situ measurements of trace compo unds in aquatic environmental systems, including surface waters, sedim ents or water treatment plants. In this field, new concepts are requir ed in order to determine not only the total concentration of environme ntal analytes but also the concentrations and physicochemical properti es of their environmentally relevant chemical forms (chemical speciati on). New selective analytical systems integrating reliable and rugged sensors with simple separation principles must be imagined to perform in situ (at depth), real-time, automatic measurements. Microtechnology is a key factor in such developments. New analytical methods must als o be developed to characterize the nature and properties of the major natural, often colloidal or polymeric, complexing agents. In this cont ext, the scientific approach of CABE is explained.