Measuring Ph Levels

Assessing the local pH in water with high sensitivity and spatial resolution can be difficult using conventional methods. Understanding micro-environmental pH at a molecular level in real-time presents challenges for effective water quality monitoring and environmental analysis.

Quantum sensing technologies offer potential solutions. Firstly, quantum dot sensors, utilising fluorescence principles, can detect trace levels of pH changes with high sensitivity. Secondly, quantum sensing using radioactive tracers and detecting the correlation of emitted gamma rays can image and determine local pH by analysing nuclear spin interactions.

These advancements could lead to more precise and real-time monitoring of pH in diverse water systems, including drinking water, industrial wastewater, and natural environments. This enables better management of water quality, protection of aquatic life, and improved public health. The radioactive tracer method also provides simultaneous imaging capability.