CROSS COMPARISON OF TECHNIQUES FOR THE MONITORING OF TOTAL ORGANIC-CARBON (TOC) IN WATER SOURCES AND SUPPLIES

A comparison of UV (254nm) absorption spectrometry, optical fluorescen ce (excitation at 340nm, emission measurement at 420nm) and establishe d chemical methods for estimating Total Organic Carbon (TOC) in water samples obtained from a variety of sources has been made. In addition, a proprietary UV in-line absorption monitor commonly used in industry is assessed relative to these measurements. The work has shown a stro ng correlation between Total Organic Carbon (TOC) measurements and bot h UV absorption and fluorescence measurements. These measurements indi cate the feasibility of both approaches in the design of new field bas ed instruments for TOC determination using optoelectronic devices.