Design and development of a low cost, high performance UV digester prototype: Application to the determination of trace elements by stripping voltammetry

A low cost, high performance ultraviolet digester was developed and tested in our laboratory. Its main features include limited costs (around 600 € for all the parts) and high efficiency toward total organic carbon (TOC) abatement. As a result the TOC of typical natural waters is reduced to less than 10% of its initial value with half an hour treatment. Easiness of use, temperature control and flexibility in sample size (up to 25mL) and number (up to twelve 12mL test tube) are other important characteristics of the developed UV digester.