Rapid identification of dissolved organic matter fractions in water by spectral fluorescent signatures

Total organic carbon (TOC) analysis has been typically used as an aggregate measure of natural organic matter (NOM) in water. NOM from New Jersey surface water sources were isolated and fractionated by resin adsorption techniques into hydrophobic acid, hydrophobic neutral, hydrophobic base, hydrophilic acid, hydrophilic neutral and hydrophilic base. The Spectral Fluorescent Signatures (SFS) technique through a database of spectral characteristics specific to each fraction was developed for the identification of the six dissolved organic carbon (DOM) fractions. Among the main advantages of the technique are high sensitivity and rapid identification. The potential use of the technique for the rapid qualitative and quantitative identification of the DOM fractions for source water assessment and water treatment process optimization is presented.