Fluorescence Properties of Organic Contamination in Water

Increased anthropogenic inputs in the water body have dramatically changed the loads and compositions of dissolved organic matter (DOM) in urbanized streams, which has a negative impact on the water. As such, it is imperative to monitor water quality regularly. Existing methods for identifying the contaminant species are not only expensive and time-consuming but also require skilled manpower, consumables and resources [1,2]. The interaction of light with DOM is a function of its chemical makeup; thus, fluorescence spectroscopy can provide information about the amount and type of DOM in a water sample. The purpose of this study is to explore the fluorescence properties of water as a screening and continuous water quality monitoring technique, to develop a rapid low-cost water testing technology.