UV-FLUORESCENCE SPECTROPHOTOMETRIC ASSESSMENT AND CHARACTERIZATION OF DISSOLVED FLUORESCENT MATTER IN COASTAL WATER OF THE CENTRAL ADRIATIC

UV-fluorescence spectrophotometry was used to investigate dissolved fluorescent matter in coastal seawater samples from Split. Conventional and synchronous scanning modes were employed. Concentrations of dissolved fluorescent matter were estimated using calibration curves constructed from known concentrations of quinine in sulphuric acid and additionally of Suwannee River fulvic acid in Copenhague standard Water. The results obtained during a one-year survey showed a low variability except during a phytoplankton bloom, when values were much higher. In that period the presence of aromatic systems with 3 and 4, 5 and probably 7 fused rings was also detected by a synchronous technique. The fluorescence method using calibration curves of standard solutions of quinine in sulphuric acid and Suwannee River fulvic acid in standard seawater allowed rapid and sensitive assessment of these substances in seawater.