LEE725C -EPA RFT For the Supply of a Flow Injection Analyser for Nutrient Analysis in Saline Water Samples

Tender description

Flow Injection Analyser for Nutrients in Saline Water Samples Objectives: It is intended that the selected instrument should achieve the following objectives: 1) Replacement of current flow injection analyser in Dublin 2) Instrument should have the capability of routinely measuring low concentrations of nutrients in saline water samples to Limits of Quantitation (LoQ) of 0.01mg/L Ammonia, 0.005mg/L Orthophosphate and 0.01mg/L for Total Oxidised Nitrogen, or better, in an automated system. 3) Future proof the Agency’s needs in this area 4) Fit within the existing laboratory space, utilities and usage patterns. As Is: Nutrients, especially nitrogen and phosphorus, are key indicators of water quality in estuaries. They are the most essential nutrients for aquatic plants. Saline nutrient analysis of Transitional and Coastal water samples is critical to the work of the EPA water monitoring laboratories. Currently flow injection analysers with the capability of analysing saline water samples are used in 2 of the 4 EPA laboratories. The current instrument in Dublin is more than 10 years old and it has been decided to seek a replacement for this instrument in 2019. The instruments facilitate the operation of an automated method for analysis of ammonia, phosphate and total oxidised nitrogen in saline water samples. In the EPA Dublin laboratory approximately 1600 saline water samples are analysed for ammonia, phosphate and total oxidised nitrogen annually. Routine maintenance is performed locally as required, but a call out service is provided by the current preventative maintenance provider to ensure that the instrument is kept operational. Summary of Requirements The EPA is looking for replacement instruments capable of meeting or exceeding the performance characteristics of the method currently in use. The instrument should provide for automated analysis. The instrument will have a proven track record of nutrient analysis in saline water samples.