Use of fluorescence excitation emission matrix spectroscopy for water and wastewater characterization

Abstract

[ACCESS RESTRICTED TO THE UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI AT AUTHOR'S REQUEST.] The Excitation Emission Matrix Spectroscopy (EEMS) has the potential to be used for the real time monitoring of environmental effects on water and aquatic systems.Chemical compound samples prepared in the laboratory whereas water and wastewater samples were collected form around the state of Missouri and Kansas. Samples were filtered and properly diluted before they were scanned for EEMS. 3-D signatures of water and wastewater samples from known source were obtained from f-4500 fluorescence spectrophotometer to characterize the fluorescence pattern, center position and peak intensities. It was found that the DI water samples showed scattered but weak fluorescence whereas the tap water samples showed a fluorescence center clustered at excitation 220nm and emission 350nm. The sample has very low fluorescence peak intensity. Spectra from all sources i.e. chemical compound sample, river water, lake water, landfill leachate, wastewater influent and effluents showed distinct pattern and peak centers on them. However, signature on landfill leachate and wastewater influents did show higher peak intensities. The dilution factor did not change the pattern of signature and the location of fluorescence instead changed the peak intensity. Dilution was must to landfill leachate samples and wastewater samples to get clear and actual signature. Higher and intense peaks were found with the increasing concentration of sample.