A Closer Look At fDOM Measurement

Register now for complimentary webinar on Feb. 26: A Closer Look at fDOM Measurement in surface water using YSI's newest water quality monitoring system.

One of the most exciting advances in technology is in-situ, real-time measurement of water quality parameters, including the hands-on measurement of particles in water. High-resolution optical sensors and water quality equipment are providing high quality data on the spot, data that was previously only available through off-site laboratory analysis.

Chromophoric Dissolved Organic Matter or Colored Dissolved Organic Matter (CDOM) refers to organic matter in water that absorbs strongly in the ultraviolet (UV) spectrum. Fluorescent Dissolved Organic Matter (fDOM) refers to the fraction of CDOM that fluoresces. fDOM is a surrogate for CDOM, and a fast and easy means of tracking DOM in natural waters.

fDOM can be used as a DOC proxy in:

• Rivers and streams, to assess terrestrial influence
• Lakes, coasts, and estuaries, to assess light availability and as a water tracer
• Oceans, to assess Chlorophyll a, light availability, and ocean color
• Industrial applications, to assess discharge and track pollution: fDOM fluorescence corresponds to total organic carbon (TOC), which is an indicator of discharge water quality

For example, an ongoing study of New Hampshire's watersheds uses fDOM sensors to track the complex interaction between how land is being used and climate over time---creating opportunities to address upcoming challenges to the ecosystem.

NH EPSCoR (funded by the National Science Foundation and partnered with more than seven NH academic institutions) uses 10 EXO2 sondes from YSI (a Xylem brand) in a network deployed in headwater streams and mainstem rivers in urban, agricultural and forested areas. The sensors provide fDOM, Turbidity, Conductivity, Temperature, pH and Dissolved Oxygen data with high temporal resolution (every 15 minutes), aiding researchers and policy makers in assessing the impact of human activities on water quality.

Register now for complimentary webinar on Feb. 26: A Closer Look at fDOM Measurement, examining fDOM measurements in surface water using YSI's newest smart sensor.

Agenda for the Webinar:

• What is CDOM and fDOM?
• How is fDOM measured?
• Why measure fDOM?
• How to interpret fDOM data