SYMPOSIA PAPER Published: 01 January 1990
STP18979S

Development of an Environmental Monitoring Technique Using Synchronous Excitation (SE) Fluorescence Spectroscopy

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Environmental monitoring of discharge plumes (surface and groundwater) and effluents generally involves extensive analyses which frequently employ GC, GC/MS, ICAP or AA techniques. These techniques usually require extraction procedures followed by analyses for specific analytes. When monitoring complex mixtures, these procedures can become more difficult, prone to error and limited by analytical thresholds to the ppb and ppm range. When environmental discharges occur, the dilution process exacerbates analytical problems by lowering concentrations. An alternative/supportive technique is the use of SE fluorescence spectroscopy. This technique can be used for fingerprinting effluents and contaminant mixtures in the ppt range.

An SE fluorescence technique was developed specifically for monitoring effluent from a facility manufacturing a variety of dyes and ancillary products. Prior to discharge, the effluent was treated in a biological and charcoal (PAC) waste treatment system. The effects of sampling (composite, grab), sample storage, fluorescence properties of the effluent (spectral fingerprint) and fluorescence characteristics of the effluent in ambient waters was determined. Consequently, a method was established which “fingerprints” effluent at dilutions of 1:1000, can identify effluent at dilutions of 1:4000, and has fingerprinted similar source material in a rivershed adjacent to the site. This rapid technique can be used to fingerprint and monitor a variety of environmental discharges or plumes when appropriate contaminants are present.

Author Information

Stainken, DM
Frank, U
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Details
Developed by Committee: D34
Pages: 381–400
DOI: 10.1520/STP18979S
ISBN-EB: 978-0-8031-5123-9
ISBN-13: 978-0-8031-1293-3