Field Techniques for Fluorescence Measurements Targeting Dissolved Organic Matter, Hydrocarbons, and Wastewater in Environmental Waters: Principles and Guidelines for Instrument Selection, Operation and Maintenance, Quality Assurance, and Data Reporting

Techniques and Methods 1-D11
By: , and 

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  • Document: Report (3.61 MB pdf) , HTML , XML
  • Data Release: USGS data release —Comparisons from an Aqualog fluorometer standardized to quinine sulfate equivalents (QSE) with excitation (ex) and emissions (em) equivalent to fluorescence of dissolved organic Matter (fDOM) sensors from multiple manufacturers
  • Download citation as: RIS | Dublin Core

Abstract

The use of field deployable fluorescence sensors by the U.S. Geological Survey has become increasingly common for a wide variety of surface water and groundwater investigations. This report addresses field deployable fluorometers that measure the fluorescence response of various substances in water exposed to incident light generated by the sensor. An introduction to the basic principles of field measurements of fluorescence is provided, as well as technical background information on sensors that target dissolved organic matter, wastewater, and hydrocarbons, including sensor selection, operating principles, key features, and design elements. General deployment, operation and maintenance protocols, quality-assurance techniques, and suggestions for data reporting are presented to facilitate and standardize the collection and accurate communication of data collected by the U.S. Geological Survey across studies, sites, and sensor types. Sensor performance issues and common interferences are also described. An appendix is included to describe sensor calibration criteria and procedures, reporting units, and specific approaches to correct for interferences for fluorescence of dissolved organic matter sensors.

Suggested Citation

Booth, A., Fleck, J., Pellerin, B.A., Hansen, A., Etheridge, A., Foster, G.M., Graham, J.L., Bergamaschi, B.A., Carpenter, K.D., Downing, B.D., Rounds, S.A., and Saraceno, J., 2023, Field techniques for fluorescence measurements targeting dissolved organic matter, hydrocarbons, and wastewater in environmental waters: Principles and guidelines for instrument selection, operation and maintenance, quality assurance, and data reporting: U.S. Geological Survey Techniques and Methods, book 1, chap. D11, 41 p., https://doi.org/10.3133/tm1D11.

ISSN: 2328-7055 (online)

Table of Contents

  • Abstract
  • Introduction
  • Background
  • Sensor and Monitor Selection
  • Reporting Units, Parameter Codes, and Method Codes
  • Calibration, Standards, and Standard Reference Materials
  • Field Data Collection Procedures
  • Troubleshooting
  • Data Evaluation and Processing Procedures
  • Summary
  • Acknowledgments
  • References Cited
  • Appendix 1. Fluorescence of Dissolved Organic Matter (Humic) Sensors
Publication type Report
Publication Subtype USGS Numbered Series
Title Field techniques for fluorescence measurements targeting dissolved organic matter, hydrocarbons, and wastewater in environmental waters: Principles and guidelines for instrument selection, operation and maintenance, quality assurance, and data reporting
Series title Techniques and Methods
Series number 1-D11
DOI 10.3133/tm1D11
Year Published 2023
Language English
Publisher U.S. Geological Survey
Publisher location Reston, VA
Contributing office(s) California Water Science Center, New York Water Science Center, Oregon Water Science Center, Caribbean-Florida Water Science Center
Description Report: vi, 41 p.; Data Release
Online Only (Y/N) Y
Google Analytic Metrics Metrics page
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