Characteristics of natural organic matter extracted from the waters of Medjerda dam (Tunisia) Original Research Article

The analysis of Natural organic matter (NOM) extracted from the waters of Medjerda dam (Tunisia) by ultraviolet–visible spectrophotometry (UV/Vis), nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR), has showed the heterogeneous nature of NOM and confirmed the importance of the extraction and characterization of the various subcomponents. CHNO/S elemental analysis of NOM has brought out a low content of carbon but a high amount of oxygen or oxygen-containing species, such as carbohydrate-OH and carboxylic groups. The relatively low fluorescence intensity measured for NOM can be ascribed to the aliphatic structure of its constituents and the high degree of non-fluorescent carbohydrates. Polluting solvents such as toluene, benzene, ethyl benzene were also identified in the NOM extracted by GC/MS. The characterization using qualitative speciation has contributed to source recognition of this aquatic NOM.