Effects of Potassium Permanganate Preoxidation Followed with Coagulation on the Fluorescence Spectrum of Algae

Abstract

This study was performed to illustrate the effects of preoxidation by potassium permanganate on the fluorescence spectrum of Microcysis aeruginosa, a kind of blue-green algae. The results showed there were four dominate excitation/emission (Ex/Em) wavelength pairs, 230/334, 280/312, 280/334 and 620/642 nm/nm in the fluorescence spectra of algae and their derived organic matters (AOM). Coagulation resulted in desorption of the organic matter adsorbed in algae cells and produced two new fluorophores centered at 275/460 and 400/460 nm/nm. Potassium permanganate preoxidation could reduce the fluorescence intensity of algae and dissolved algal organic matters effectively and the descent rate increased with increasing potassium permanganate dosage.