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

摘要

Environmental monitoring of discharge plumes (surface and groundwater) and effluents generally involves extensive analyses for specific analytes. An alternative/supportive technique in these situations is the use of SE fluorescence spectroscopy. This technique can be used for fingerprinting effluents and contaminant mixtures in the ppt range and can be used to evaluate the presence of mixtures (e.g. effluents) and dilution plumes. 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. The rapid approach can be used to fingerprint and monitor a variety of environmental discharges of plumes when appropriate contaminants are present.