UV absorption sensors measure the absorption of ultraviolet (UV) light by dissolved compounds in water. Many organic and inorganic substances, such as nitrate (NO₃-N, NO₃, NOx-N, NOx), dissolved organic carbon (DOC), total organic carbon (TOC), chemical oxygen demand (COD), biological oxygen demand (BOD), and turbidity, absorb light at specific UV wavelengths. UV absorption sensors provide highly accurate, real-time water quality measurements without chemical reagents by analysing how much UV light is absorbed at these wavelengths.
The NICO Plus is an online UV absorption sensor for multi-parameter water quality monitoring. A full-spectrum UV detection system delivers high-precision measurements with automatic turbidity compensation, ensuring reliable data even in variable water conditions. Its reagent-free operation, low maintenance design, and seamless integration with Modbus RTU and Ethernet interfaces make it an ideal choice for industries requiring accurate, continuous wastewater monitoring, drinking water, and surface water quality.
With the ability to monitor multiple parameters in real time, the NICO Plus represents the next generation of UV absorption technology. It provides essential data for optimising treatment processes and ensuring regulatory compliance.

UV absorption sensor technology powers the TriOS NICO Plus, a versatile photometer for real-time, reagent-free water quality analysis. Equipped with advanced turbidity compensation and a broad range of measurable parameters, it delivers precise monitoring for various applications.
Enhance your water quality monitoring with the TriOS NICO Plus photometer. Contact us today to learn how this advanced instrument can meet your specific needs.
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Find out more about the NICO PLUS sensor by downloading our comprehensive datasheet. This detailed document provides in-depth information on specifications, features, and applications, empowering you to make informed decisions for your water quality monitoring needs.
Comprehensive Parameter Measurement: In addition to nitrate (NO3-N, NO3, NOx-N, NOx), the NICO Plus measures UVT254, SAC254, CODeq, BODeq, TOCeq, DOCeq, turbidity, and TSSeq, providing a holistic view of water quality.
Advanced Turbidity Compensation: This system utilizes a four-channel detection system to account for turbidity and organic substances, ensuring accurate nitrate measurements even in challenging conditions.
Real-Time, Reagent-Free Analysis: This method performs continuous monitoring without the need for chemical reagents or sample preparation, offering immediate insights into water quality.
Robust Construction with Nano-Coated Optical Windows: This product features durable materials and nano-coated optical windows to minimize fouling and reduce maintenance requirements.
Internal Temperature Correction: Enhances measurement stability by compensating for temperature variations within the sample.
User-Friendly G2 Interface: This interface allows for easy configuration and data access via any standard web browser on a PC, tablet, or smartphone and includes an internal data logger for comprehensive data management.
Sewage Treatment Plants: Monitor nitrate levels and organic load to optimize treatment processes and ensure compliance with discharge regulations.
Environmental Monitoring: Assess natural water bodies for nutrient concentrations and organic pollution, aiding in ecosystem management and pollution control.
Drinking Water Monitoring: Ensure the safety and quality of potable water by detecting contaminants such as nitrates and organic compounds.
Enhanced Measurement Accuracy: The advanced turbidity compensation system corrects for interferences caused by suspended solids and organic matter, ensuring precise readings in diverse water matrices.
Cost-Effective Operation: This eliminates the need for consumable reagents and reduces maintenance efforts, resulting in lower operational costs over the instrument’s lifespan.
Durable and Low-Maintenance Design: Constructed with high-quality stainless steel or titanium and nano-coated optical windows, the sensor can withstand harsh environments while minimizing maintenance requirements.
Rapid Response Time: With a T100 response time of 20 seconds and a minimum measurement interval of 10 seconds, the NICO Plus provides timely data for prompt decision-making.
Seamless System Integration: The digital interfaces (Ethernet TCP/IP and RS-485 Modbus RTU) facilitate easy integration into existing process control systems, enhancing data accessibility and system compatibility.
Nitrate (NO3)
Nitrate-Nitrogen (N-NO3)
Nitrite (NOx)
Nitrite-Nitrogen (N-NOx)
Chemical Oxygen Demand Equivalent (CODeq)
Biochemical Oxygen Demand Equivalent (BODeq)
Dissolved Organic Carbon Equivalent (DOCeq)
Total Organic Carbon Equivalent (TOCeq)
Total Suspended Solids Equivalent (TSSeq)
Turbidity (as Formazine Attenuation Units - FAU)
Turbidity (as Formazine Attenuation Units - FAU)
Spectral Absorption Coefficient at 254 nm (SAC254)
UV Transmittance at 254 nm (UVT254)

The TriOS NICO Plus is an advanced UV-absorption photometer for comprehensive water quality monitoring. Building upon the capabilities of its predecessor, NICO, the NICO Plus expands its functionality to measure a wide array of parameters, including nitrate (NO3-N, NO3, NOx-N, NOx), UV Transmittance at 254 nm (UVT254), Spectral Absorption Coefficient at 254 nm (SAC254), Chemical Oxygen Demand Equivalent (CODeq), Biochemical Oxygen Demand Equivalent (BODeq), Total Organic Carbon Equivalent (TOCeq), Dissolved Organic Carbon Equivalent (DOCeq), turbidity, and Total Suspended Solids Equivalent (TSSeq). This extensive parameter set allows for real-time, reagent-free analysis, providing immediate insights into water quality without sample preparation.
Equipped with a four-channel detection system, the NICO Plus effectively compensates for turbidity and organic interferences, ensuring accurate measurements even in challenging conditions. An internal temperature correction feature further enhances the stability of the measured values. The innovative G2 interface facilitates seamless integration into existing process control systems or external data loggers, with configuration accessible via any standard web browser on a PC, tablet, or smartphone. The sensor’s robust construction, featuring nano-coated optical windows, minimizes maintenance efforts by reducing fouling.
With over 50 years of experience in precision instrumentation and control within the water and energy industries, PMA Ltd has established itself as a leader in process analysis. Our recognized expertise spans various technologies, enabling us to provide innovative solutions tailored to the specific needs of our clients. As the UK distributor for TriOS, we proudly offer the NICO Plus photometer, exemplifying our commitment to delivering cutting-edge water quality monitoring instruments.
The TriOS NICO Plus sets a new benchmark in water quality monitoring, offering a comprehensive, accurate, and user-friendly solution for professionals in the field. Its advanced features and robust design make it an indispensable tool for ensuring water quality across various applications.
Our team of dedicated field support group technicians are vastly experienced in applications and installations. We therefore appreciate and understand how analysers work, why they were installed and what data they typically ought to produce.
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