Dissolved organic matter comes from a wide array of sources, both natural and man-made. While some of these sources are point sources that are easily identified, many are unknown, non-point sources. Using new techonolgy and equipment, such as spectrophotometers, it is possible to measure the natural fluorescence given off by dissolved organic material. This is given off at shorter wavelenghts, invsible to the naked eye. Molecules of the matter are energized by ultaviolet light and appear fluorescent when studied with particular equipment. By tracking the fluorescence, we can analyze trends, concentrations, and sources of dissolved organic materials. This will help to determine where problem areas are along bodies of water and the effects high pollutant concentrations have on the ecosystems.
http://www.brightsurf.com/news/headlines/14000/%60Glowing%60_technique_could_detect_river_pollution.html
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