Development of the Polarity Assessment Method (PRAM) for DOM Analysis: Theory and Characterization

摘要

The use of PRAM (polarity rapid assessment method) is being developed as an alternative procedure for the characterization of the changes in polarity of dissolved organic matter (DOM). Analysis of DOM using PRAM involves running the sample through different solid-phase extraction (SPE) cartridges and calculating the amount of material that has been adsorbed based on the initial and final concentrations of the sample after initial breakthrough. The amount of material adsorbed, referred to as the retention coefficient (RC), is sorbent-specific and depends on the polarity of both the DOM and the SPE cartridges, giving a measure of the polarity of the DOM mixture. The PRAM method requires less financial commitment and can be done in a few hours, compared to other polarity characterization procedures, which may alter the characteristics of the DOM mixture. Furthermore, analysis is performed at environmental conditions, allowing determination of the polarity characteristics under the effects of current water quality parameters. This is advantageous since many applications would be dependent on the polarity of DOM as is found in the environment.