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UV-Vis Spectrophotometer Uses and Applications

Spectrophotometers are extensively applied in various disciplines, including chemistry, physics, biology, medicine, environmental science, and many more. They quantify the intensity of light absorbed or transmitted by a sample at various wavelengths. Primarily, spectrophotometers are employed to quantify the chemical concentrations in a sample or to identify unidentified substances.

Check our previous post about the spectrophotometer or also known as UV-Vis spectroscopy.

UV-Vis Spectrophotometer Uses and Applications
Photo by Artem Podrez

These are some typical uses and applications of the spectrophotometer:

    Quantitative analysis of chemical substances

    Spectrophotometers can be used to measure a chemical substance’s concentration in a sample, such as determining precisely the concentration of a known compound in a solution.

    Quality control in manufacturing

    Spectrophotometers can be used to estimate a product’s colors and make sure it complies with specifications.

    Environmental analysis

    The concentrations of pollutants in air, water, and soil samples can be measured using spectrophotometers, which aids in the monitoring of environmental pollution levels.

    Medical diagnostics

    Spectrophotometers are used to quantify the concentrations of different biomolecules in bodily fluids, including proteins, enzymes, and hormones, which can help with disease diagnosis.

    Food analysis

    The concentration of nutrients in food products, such as vitamins and minerals, can be measured using a spectrophotometer.

    Pharmaceutical analysis

    The purity and concentration of pharmaceutical chemicals, such as medications, can be determined using a spectrophotometer.

    Forensic science

    In criminal investigations, spectrophotometers can be used to identify unknown compounds, such as drugs or poisons.


    The measurement, analysis, and quality control of chemical substances and materials are all made possible with the help of spectrophotometers. Hence, It’s undoubtedly a crucial tool in many scientific and industrial domains.