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Synchronous Scan and Excitation-Emission Matrix Fluorescence Spectroscopy of Water-Soluble Organic Compounds in Atmospheric Aerosols

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Abstract

Three-dimensional excitation–emission matrix (EEM) fluorescence spectra of water-soluble organic compounds (WSOC) from aerosol samples were measured and compared with those reported in the literature for natural dissolved organic matter. The EEM profiles of the WSOC presented three characteristic excitation/emission (λExc/λEm) peaks: 240/405 nm, 310/405 nm and 280/340 nm. The fluorescence intensities at λExc/λEm≈240/405 nm and λExc/λEm≈310/405 nm are located at wavelengths shorter than those reported for aquatic humic substances, indicating a smaller content of both aromatic structures and condensed unsaturated bond systems in the WSOC fraction. The EEM profiles of fractions obtained by the isolation procedure of the WSOC by the XAD resins showed that a fractionation has occurred and the XAD-8 eluate is highly representative of the total WSOC of collected aerosol. Synchronous scan spectra were more detailed than conventional fluorescence emission spectra, appearing more suitable for studying multicomponent samples such as the WSOC from atmospheric aerosols.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal. rduarte@dq.ua.pt

    Regina M.B.O. Duarte & Armando C. Duarte

  2. Department of Environment and Planning, University of Aveiro, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal

    Casimiro A. Pio

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  1. Regina M.B.O. Duarte
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  2. Casimiro A. Pio
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  3. Armando C. Duarte
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Duarte, R.M., Pio, C.A. & Duarte, A.C. Synchronous Scan and Excitation-Emission Matrix Fluorescence Spectroscopy of Water-Soluble Organic Compounds in Atmospheric Aerosols. Journal of Atmospheric Chemistry 48, 157–171 (2004). https://doi.org/10.1023/B:JOCH.0000036845.82039.8c

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