Real-Time Detection of Trace Contaminants and Bio/Chemical Agents in ROWPU Processed Drinking Water Using Reagentless UV Laser-Induced-Fluorescence

Abstract

The sensitivity and detection capability of a deep-UV laser-induced-fluorescence system for detection of trace species in water was investigated and studied. Dissolved Organic Compounds (DOCs) and other related trace species were measured for the first time in drinking water and in Reverse Osmosis Processed water. The portable LIF system was used to analyze in real time the input water and the output water from a laboratory Reverse Osmosis water unit. The input water (obtained from surface wells and used for irrigation purposes) had a large spectral signature near 450 nm due to DOCs in the water. The RO output water has a much reduced level of DOCs and was an effective monitor of the filter membrane condition. It was found that the fluorescence spectrum is different for 266 run excitation than for 355 ran excitation, with 266 nm appearing to produce greater DOC fluorescence. Preliminary LIF spectra of the weak vinegar (0.01M) acid wash water used to clean a ROWPU were obtained. We also studied similar spectra for other trace and toxic chemical species related to the RO process and eventually related to toxic and chemical agent contamination. We studied and demonstrated the first use of deep-uv LEDs for LIF type detection of DOCs and trace species in water. The initial results were very promising, and the LIF type signal was found to be on the same order of magnitude as that using the UV laser source. We plan to extend these results and develop a compact LED based LIP system for water monitoring in real-time.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Apr 30, 2007
Accession Number
ADA482626

Entities

People

  • Dennis K. Killinger

Organizations

  • University of South Florida

Tags

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Chemical Warfare Agents
  • Contamination
  • Detection
  • Digestive System Processes
  • Drinking Water
  • Environmental Pollutants
  • Excitation
  • Fluorescence
  • Laser Induced Fluorescence
  • Lasers
  • Monitoring
  • Organic Compounds
  • Reverse Osmosis
  • Spectra
  • Ultraviolet Lasers

Fields of Study

  • Environmental science

Readers

  • Environmental Engineering
  • Molecular Photonics/Laser Physics

Technology Areas

  • Directed Energy