Abstract

Fluorescent membrane formulations for detecting organic nitro compounds by fluorescence quenching were evaluated. The most sensitive membrane is prepared by solvent casting from cyclohexanone to incorporate pyrenebutyric acid into cellulose triacetate plasticized with isodecyl diphenylphosphate. The response follows the Stern-Volmer law for 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene (TNT) and 2,4-dinitrotoluene (DNT). The membrane also responds to hexahydro-1,3,5-tri- nitro-1,3,5-triazine (RDX). For a given set of conditions, the primary factor determining sensitivity is the extent to which each nitro compound partitions into the membrane. Detection limits are ca. 2 mg l −1 for DNT and TNT and 10 mg l −1 for RDX. Nitrogen purging prior to the measurement enhances the sensitivity and eliminates interference from oxygen. The membrane is designed to be used for remote optical in situ screening of groundwater for contamination by explosives.

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