[Study on three-dimensional fluorescence spectra of phenanthrene]

Area of Science:

• Analytical Chemistry
• Environmental Science

Context:

• Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) are common environmental pollutants.
• Phenanthrene, a representative PAH, exhibits high fluorescence quantum yields.
• Accurate detection of PAHs in water is crucial for environmental monitoring.

Purpose:

• To develop a sensitive and precise method for quantifying phenanthrene in aqueous solutions.
• To utilize three-dimensional fluorescence excitation-emission matrix (3DEEM) for phenanthrene analysis.
• To establish optimal excitation and emission wavelengths for phenanthrene detection.

Summary:

• Three-dimensional fluorescence excitation-emission matrix (3DEEM) was employed to investigate phenanthrene's fluorescence spectra in aqueous solution.
• Two primary fluorescence peaks were identified, leading to the selection of 255 nm excitation and 273 nm emission wavelengths for quantitative analysis.
• The method demonstrated a linear range of 5.0-250.0 mg x mL(-1), a detection limit of 3.88 ng x mL(-1), and good precision (RSD 4.23%).

Impact:

• The developed method provides a basis for the rapid monitoring of trace PAHs in water.
• Satisfactory results were obtained for artificial samples in tap water, with recoveries ranging from 90% to 105%.
• This technique contributes to improved environmental surveillance of PAH contamination.