A self-scanned photodiode array has been used as a multiplex sensor for laboratory detection and measurement, by dispersive spectroscopy, of trace quantities of the atmospheric pollutant NO2. The on-line data acquisition and numerical analysis system allows in particular to eliminate some systematic errors and drifts (Taylor filtering) and the noise associated with high spatial frequencies (low-pass filtering). We have then been able to show that an absorption spectrum, corresponding to low absorber concentrations, has a sufficient information content for the characterization of the pollutant and the measurement of its concentration (ppm m), even when noise and drifts are present. The proposed system can be favorably compared to the ones, based on a single photoelectric detector, which are commercially used.