nephelometriaa

Nephelometry is an analytical method used to determine the concentration of suspended particles in a sample. It operates on the principle of light scattering. When a beam of light passes through a sample containing suspended particles, the light is scattered in various directions. A nephelometer measures the intensity of this scattered light at a specific angle, typically 90 degrees from the incident beam.

The intensity of the scattered light is directly proportional to the number and size of the suspended particles. By calibrating the instrument with standards of known particle concentrations, a calibration curve can be generated. This curve is then used to determine the concentration of particles in unknown samples by measuring their scattered light intensity.

Nephelometry is a sensitive technique and is widely used in various fields. In clinical diagnostics, it is employed to measure the concentration of proteins, antibodies, and antigens in biological fluids like serum and urine. It is also used in environmental monitoring to assess water turbidity and air quality by measuring particulate matter. Pharmaceutical quality control utilizes nephelometry to analyze the clarity of injectable solutions and to monitor the stability of suspensions. The method is generally non-destructive, allowing for further analysis of the sample if needed.