Fluorescence characterization of IHSS humic substances: Total luminescence spectra with absorbance correction

Journal Article · Tue Oct 01 00:00:00 EDT 1996 · Environmental Science and Technology

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1021/es960132l· OSTI ID:420781

Mobed, J J; Hemmingsen, S L; Autry, J L; Mcgown, L B ^[1]

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1. Duke Univ., Durham, NC (United States)

Total luminescence spectroscopy was applied to the fluorescence characterization of humic substances obtained from the International Humic Substances Society (IHSS). Results show that total luminescence spectra, represented as excitation-emission matrices (EEMs), may be used to discriminate between soil-derived and aquatic-derived IHSS humic substances and between humic and fulvic acids derived from the same source (soil or aquatic). Ionic strength in the range of 0-1 M KCl and humic substance concentration in the range 5-100 mg/L had little effect on the fluorescence spectral characteristics of the humic substances, while pH had significant effects as expected. Absorbance correction was shown to be essential for accurate representation and comparison of the EEMs of the humic substances at high concentrations. 16 refs., 5 figs., 3 tabs.

• DOE Contract Number: FG05-88ER13931
• OSTI ID: 420781
• Journal Information: Environmental Science and Technology, Vol. 30, Issue 10; Other Information: PBD: Oct 1996
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

40 CHEMISTRY
54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
ORGANIC COMPOUNDS
EMISSION SPECTRA
FLUORESCENCE
HUMIC ACIDS
FULVIC ACIDS
PH VALUE
ABUNDANCE