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Rapid Advances in Mobile Mass Spectrometry Enhance Tracer Hydrology and Water Management
Author(s) -
Popp Andrea L.,
Manning Cara C. M.,
Knapp Julia L. A.
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
water resources research
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.863
H-Index - 217
eISSN - 1944-7973
pISSN - 0043-1397
DOI - 10.1029/2021wr029890
Subject(s) - tracer , environmental science , biogeochemical cycle , groundwater , hydrology (agriculture) , noble gas , instrumentation (computer programming) , environmental chemistry , computer science , geology , chemistry , physics , geotechnical engineering , organic chemistry , nuclear physics , operating system
Dissolved gases, including noble gases, are versatile environmental tracers. Historically, the application of dissolved (noble) gases as tracers in hydrology used to be limited because their measurement required expensive, laboratory‐based instrumentation operated by highly trained personnel. Here, we highlight recent advances in mobile mass spectrometry (MS) methods for noble and other dissolved gases, which enable low cost, high‐throughput, real‐time measurements. We also present applications using mobile MS to quantify hydrological and biogeochemical processes in groundwater and surface waters and to assess hazards and risks to aquatic environments. Finally, we indicate potential future applications of these instruments to enhance hydrological research.