Development of a UV Miniaturised Fourier Transform Spectrometer (MicroFTS) for the Detection of Dissolved Organic Carbon in Water

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There are increasing scientific and water industry needs to acquire spatially and temporally intensive measurements of levels and molecular character of dissolved organic carbon (DOC) in the aquatic environment, and particularly in upland catchments that provide a large proportion of UK drinking water. Spectrometer-based systems currently on the market for this purpose are cumbersome, have a large power requirement, require frequent recalibration by trained operators and provide data based on hidden algorithms that limit interpretation of the resulting data. Here we propose to develop a new smaller, lighter, and self calibrating instrument, combining novel miniaturisation of Fourier Transform Spectrometry, and a new scientifically peer-reviewed (and published) approach to assessing DOC concentrations and character using CEH's unique water chemistry/UV-spectral database. Development will be taken to Task Readiness level 5, before we approach an industrial partner. We anticipate considerable demand from a potentially global water industrial and environmental scientific sectors.