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Updated: Jun 19, 2026

Quantification of Humic and Fulvic Acids in Humate Ores, DOC, Humified Materials and Humic Substance-Containing Commercial Products
Published on: March 18, 2022
[Quantitative analysis of phenanthrene and humic acid in solution based on fluorescence method]
Dan Jin1, Guo-Gang Li, Yu-Jun Zhang
1Key Laboratory of Environmental Optics & Technology, Anhui Institute of Optics and Fine Mechanics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei 230031, China. djin@aiofm.ac.cn
This study presents a rapid method for detecting polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in water, even with humic acid interference. The technique combines fluorescence spectra with parallel factor analysis for accurate quantification of Phenanthrene (PHE).
Area of Science:
- Environmental Chemistry
- Analytical Chemistry
Context:
- Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are priority pollutants with low water concentrations.
- Humic acid (HA) interferes with conventional PAH detection due to overlapping spectra.
Purpose:
- To develop a rapid and accurate method for quantifying Phenanthrene (PHE), a model PAH, in the presence of HA.
- To overcome spectral overlap challenges in environmental monitoring.
Summary:
- Utilized three-dimensional fluorescence excitation-emission matrix (EEM) coupled with parallel factor analysis (PARAFAC).
- Investigated PHE and HA fluorescence spectra across specific excitation (240-360 nm) and emission (260-575 nm) ranges.
- Successfully determined PHE and HA directly, demonstrating method efficacy.
Impact:
- Provides a simplified, time-efficient analytical procedure for PAH monitoring in complex water matrices.
- Enhances the capability for accurate environmental pollutant assessment.
- Offers a foundation for broader application in detecting other PAHs.
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