Enhancement of detectability limits of NO₃ in deionized water by laser Raman spectroscopy

The nickel nitrate - deionized water system has been studied using laser Raman spectroscopy covering a wide range of ppm values. The intensity of the NO₃ peak observed at around 1040 cm^-1 was calculated carefully, and its changes with the concentration of NO₃ was monitored over a wide range of ppm values. Despite the detectabilty limitations of our small and simple system, our data shows that following this peak can be used to estimate quite accurately the level of infiltration of nitrate in water. Example of our method of calculating the intensity of the 1040 NO₃ peak is shown before presenting our complete data. Results found by other authors are also considered.