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Characterization of dissolved organic matter in cave and spring waters using

UVVis absorbance and fluorescence spectroscopy
Justin E. Birdwella,*, Audrey Tourretteb
Cain Department of Chemical Engineering, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA 70803, USA
Institute of Chemistry, University of the Philippines Diliman, Quezon City, Philippines

ABSTRACT
A condensed version of the entire paper; summarizes the four essential aspects of the paper, namely, purpose of the
experiment, results (% yield, % purity, etc.), significance of the study, and major conclusions. It should give one an idea of the
scope of the study. It includes a very brief summary of the major steps/techniques used in the experiment. Do not include too
much background information. No detailed procedures and sources of errors. Typically, 100-200 words.
Sample:
Chromophoric dissolved organic matter (CDOM) was examined using fluorescence and absorbance spectra from sulfidic cave and
thermal and non-thermal surface-discharging spring waters. Many of the sites have a limited allochthonous supply of organic matter
(OM) and contain ecosystems that are dependent on chemolithoautotrophic microbial communities. Water-extracted OM from
microbial mats at the sites had fluorescence signatures consistent with the fluorescent amino acids. Based on fluorescence-derived
indices and absorbance spectral characteristics, the origin of the cave and spring CDOM appeared to be from microbially-derived
material, and the degree of OM humification was low. Little of the CDOM pool was represented by terrestrial humic fluorescence
signatures, which are typically observed in surface waters, as well as soil and sediment porewaters. Comparison of the cave and
spring waters with a wide array of reference humic substances and OM from other environments showed a continuum of spectral
properties constrained by origin and degree of humification.

*Corresponding author. Mobile: 09062510901

E-mail address: justinbirdwell@yahoo.com

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1. Introduction
Provides pertinent background information about
the study. Acquaints readers with the experiment.
Should end with the objective(s) of the experiment.
Its NOT just another version of the INTRODUCTION
found in the manual.
Sample:
Dissolved organic matter (DOM) has been intensely
investigated in water systems around the world because
of the significant roles this ubiquitous material plays in
various biogeochemical and ecological processes (Findlay
and Sinsabaugh, 2003; Anesio et al., 2004; Judd et al.,
2006). In natural settings, DOM parent material is
primarily derived from terrigenous and aquatic macro
(e.g. plants, animals) and microorganisms (e.g. algae,
phytoplankton and bacteria).
Chromophoric dissolved organic matter (CDOM), the
fraction that absorbs ultraviolet (UV) and visible light, is
the controlling factor for the optical properties of surface
waters (Green and Blough, 1994).
2. Materials and Methods
Summarizes the procedure performed in the
experiment in paragraph form (do not include parts that
were not done). Past tense, passive voice. Do not include
diagram or procedural steps in preparing set-ups.
Sample:
2.1. Synthesis
All fluorescence measurements were made using a
SPEX Fluorolog- 3 spectrofluorometer (Jobin Yvon, Edison,
NJ, USA) equipped with a 450W Xe lamp, double
excitation and emission monochromators and an
extended red, high sensitivity, multi-alkali photocathode
photomultiplier
tube
(Hamamatsu
Corporation,
Bridgewater, NJ, USA) with slits set to 5 nm for both
excitation and emission monochromators and using a 0.1
s integration time.

- Interpretation of results (What is its significance?)

- Compare expected results with those obtained, account
for any difference
- Possible reasons for low yield
- Assessment of product purity
Sample:
3.1. Geochemical Analysis
Geochemical data for each of the samples are listed in
Table 1.
The EEM spectra of the cave and spring waters (Fig. 2,
panels a through i) contained many of the characteristic
peaks observed in other studies of marine and terrestrial
CDOM (e.g. Fig. 1).
3.2. Sample Absorbance and Fluorescence
The absorbance spectra for the cave and spring
waters had steep drops in optical density between 200
and 250 nm, followed by an exponential decrease with
increasing wavelength beyond 280 nm. Many samples
had a peak or shoulder in the ca. 260 270 nm range,
consistent with strong absorbance by fluorescent amino
acids, but could also be due to the presence of a wide
range of other specific compounds that absorb in this
region of the UV spectrum.
Table 1
Amount of Alcohol and Acid for a Specific Type of Ester
Flavor
Alcohol Volume(mL) Acid Volume (mL)
Banana
Peach
Pear
Pineapple
Apple

2-pentanol
(9.77 mL)
Benzyl alcohol
(9.36 mL)
1-propanol
(6.73 mL)
Butyric acid
(5.26 mL)
Methanol
(3.65 mL)

Acetic acid
(3.43 mL)
Acetic acid
(3.43 mL)
Acetic acid
(3.43 mL)
Butyric acid
(5.51 mL)
Butyric acid
(5.51 mL)

2.2. Characterization
EEM fluorescence spectra were obtained by collecting
a series of 43 emission scans (kEm 250550 nm, 2.5 nm
intervals) at 5 nm excitation wavelength intervals
between kEx 240 and 450 nm.
3. Results and Discussion
Most important part of the report. Presents pertinent
results of the experiment. Organizes data into tables,
figures, graphs, etc. (whichever is appropriate). Should
provide labels with short caption for each tables, figures,
graphs, etc. Label for tables should be on top of the table
while label for figures should be below the figure.
Discussion should include the following:
- Mechanism of the reaction(s)
- Purpose of each reagents
- Rationalization of method (purpose of each major
techniques in the methodology)
- Techniques used to increase the yield

Fig. 1. Gel permeation chromatogram of MePEGPLA

block copolymer.
4. Conclusion and Recommendations
Summary of important results (should answer: so
what). Discuss degree of success or failure of the

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experiment. If necessary and possible, include

suggestions for improvement (on the method used, NOT
on the course or how it is being handled). Be direct in
stating conclusion and recommendation (dont include
background information).

Aiken, G., McKnight, D.M., Harnish, R., Wershaw, R., 1996.

Geochemistry of aquatic humic substances in the Lake Fryxell
Basin, Antarctica. Biogeochemistry 34, 157188.
Alberts, J.J., Takcs, M., 2004. Total luminescence spectra of IHSS
standards and reference fulvic acids, humic acids and natural
organic matter: comparison of aquatic and terrestrial source
terms. Organic Geochemistry 35, 243256. American Public
Health Association, 1998. Standard Methods for the Examination
of Water and Wastewater, 20th ed. American Public Health
Association, Washington, DC.

Sample:
The cave and spring waters displayed strong microbial
fluorescence features, lacked significant terrestrial
signatures
and
exhibited
unique
absorbance
characteristics. One of the most important findings is
that a substantial portion of CDOM in karst waters, and
especially in sulfidic cave systems, appears to be almost
exclusively a result of in situ microbial activity.

Anesio, A.M., Hollas, C., Granli, W., Laybourn-Perry, J., 2004.

Influence of humic substances on bacterial and viral dynamics in
freshwaters. Applied and Environmental Microbiology 70, 4848
4854.

References

Appendices

Include at least 3 credible publications, books, journals,

etc.

- Other raw data not presented in the discussion

- Completely filled out data sheet with calculations
Answers
to
questions
that
have
relevance/connection to the report.

Sample:

no