Distinguishing stage 1 and 2 reverse osmosis permeates using fluorescence spectroscopy

摘要

Fluorescence excitation-emission matrix (EEM) spectroscopy was used to distinguish betweenntwo stages of reverse osmosis (RO) permeates as the first step towards investigating thenpotential application of fluorescence as a monitoring tool for membrane performance. The signalnresponse of several fluorescence peaks present in Stage 1 and Stage 2 RO permeates of annadvanced water treatment plant were compared. The humic-like fluorescence region was found tonhave the largest percentage difference between stages and therefore was the most appropriatenfor enabling differentiation. Increases in humic-like fluorescence did not correlate with increasesnin conductivity or dissolved organic carbon measurements. This suggests that fluorescence is anmore selective and sensitive method for monitoring the organic composition of RO permeatesnthan established methods. Fluorescence is therefore a promising tool for improved water qualitynmonitoring of RO permeates.