THE EFFECT OF METAL-IONS ON THE FLUORESCENCE OF SEWAGE WASTE-WATER

Fluorescence spectroscopy has the potential to be used in real-time mo nitoring of sewage strength for process control in sewage treatment wo rks. However, unpredictable pollution incidents may contribute to a la rge variation in the metal ion content of sewage. These ions, particul arly Cu2+ and Ni2+, have been found to quench the fluorescence of sewa ge by as much as 40% at a concentration of 0.2 mg/l. The quenching is not pronounced for the fluorescence of the final effluent from sewage plants. The results are explained in terms of possible chelating of th e metal ions with the large aromatic hydrocarbons in humic or fulvic s ubstances.