Laser Sensor Development for Fluorescence Detection of Plastics and Other Anthropogenic Compounds Dissolved in Seawater
Abstract
The long-term goal of this project is to develop a compact fluorescence sensor capable of the detection and fingerprinting of trace-level chemical substances present in seawater. The resulting multichannel UV laser-induced fluorescence sensor (MUVLIFS) will be applicable in several areas of research. Oceanographic applications include UV-vis spectral characterization of dissolved and particulate (phytoplankton) fluorescence. Compounds of interest relating to mine countermeasures and other Navy interests include: diesel fuel marine, oils, plastic and rubber material, industrial chemicals, riverborne soil materials and marine organisms. The short-term goal is to examine the usefulness and ultimate sensitivity of fluorometry as a method for locating and identifying plastic or rubber coated objects such as mines in the water column and/or buried in sediment. Consideration must be given to the seawater fluorescence caused by natural organic matter, which will comprise most of the background signal. We also propose to develop and construct a UV laser multichannel fluorometer that can be used in situ to detect and monitor artificial and natural organic substances in seawater.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 1998
- Accession Number
- ADA551484
Entities
People
- Dennis Killinger
- Paula G. Coble
Organizations
- University of South Florida