Characterization of organic matter in natural waters by EEM fluorescence properties

Abstract

AbstractNatural organic matter (NOM) as the main component of natural colloidal matter is a major concern in drinking water treatment due to well-documented disadvantages. The understanding of NOM properties is a crucial factor to determine the dissolved organic matter treatability. The main purpose of this study is to provide information for realization of physicochemical and compositional properties of NOM in relation to the impact factors related to the surface water quality. To achieve this goal, water samples were collected from major watersources of Istanbul as well as from lakes located in various parts of Turkey. A consistent data-set of basic parameters specifically related to the quantification of organic matter contents, namely dissolved organic carbon and spectroscopic parameters (UV–vis and fluorescence) of selected surface waters were evaluated. Besides UV–vis spectral parameters, fluorescence intensity as represented by the ratio of the emission intensity at λemis450 nm to that at λemis500 ...