Aqua Metrology Analyzer Monitors Water at Arizona Copper Mine

Lowell Institute for Mineral Resources, in conjunction with Sub Rosa Monitoring LLC, has developed a fully automated and self-calibrating water quality monitoring system to measure surface and subsurface fluid flow and ground water quality for a copper mine in Arizona. The monitoring project, which is fully underway, monitors ground and surface water quality at the mine site. After evaluating a variety of trace metals analytical approaches for integration into the broader water quality monitoring system, the University of Arizona selected the SafeGuard Duo online/offline analyzer from Aqua Metrology Systems.

The trace metals analyzer uses a voltammetric detector to enable selective and accurate determination of selenium down to low ppb levels in the presence of higher levels of copper ions. When determining the ion specific portion for the water quality system, the University of Arizona needed a technique that met the automation and concentration level requirements needed for compliance while also fitting into a fully integrated system.

The fully automated water quality monitoring system at the AZ Copper Mine Site was placed online in July 2015. The monitoring system collects water from multiple locations and undertakes analysis every other day; enabling the University of Arizona and the mine to optimize the monitoring process and develop trend analysis.

“Since the acquisition of assets from TraceDetect Inc. by AMS in December 2014, advancements have been made applying the electroanalytical method of voltammetry into unattended automated trace metal analysis for online instruments,” said Rex Sistek, western regional business development manager at Aqua Metrology Systems. “The water quality monitoring system developed by the University of Arizona will undoubtedly help shape the future of sampling practices at mining sites.” 

Source: Aqua Metrology