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Characterization of dissolved organic matter in cave and spring waters using UVVis
absorbance and fluorescence spectroscopy
Justin E. Birdwella,*, Audrey Tourretteb
a
Cain Department of Chemical Engineering, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA 70803, USA
b
Institute of Chemistry, University of the Philippines Diliman, Quezon City, Philippines

ABSTRACT
A condensed version of the entire paper; summarizes the four essential aspects of the paper, namely, purpose of the experiment, results (% yield, %
purity, etc.), significance of the study, and major conclusions. It should give one an idea of the scope of the study. It includes a very brief summary of the
major steps/techniques used in the experiment. Do not include too much background information. No detailed procedures and sources of errors.
Typically, 100-200 words.

Sample:
Chromophoric dissolved organic matter (CDOM) was examined using fluorescence and absorbance spectra from sulfidic cave and thermal and
non-thermal surface-discharging spring waters. Many of the sites have a limited allochthonous supply of organic matter (OM) and contain ecosystems
that are dependent on chemolithoautotrophic microbial communities. Water-extracted OM from microbial mats at the sites had fluorescence signatures
consistent with the fluorescent amino acids. Based on fluorescence-derived indices and absorbance spectral characteristics, the origin of the cave and
spring CDOM appeared to be from microbially-derived material, and the degree of OM humification was low. Little of the CDOM pool was represented by
terrestrial humic fluorescence signatures, which are typically observed in surface waters, as well as soil and sediment porewaters. Comparison of the
cave and spring waters with a wide array of reference humic substances and OM from other environments showed a continuum of spectral properties
constrained by origin and degree of humification.

1. Introduction Fluorolog- 3 spectrofluorometer (Jobin Yvon, Edison, NJ, USA)

Provides pertinent background information about the study.
Acquaints readers with the experiment. Should end with the
objective(s) of the experiment.
Its NOT just another version of the INTRODUCTION found in
the manual.
Sample:
Dissolved organic matter (DOM) has been intensely investigated
in water systems around the world because of the significant roles
this ubiquitous material plays in various biogeochemical and
ecological processes (Findlay and Sinsabaugh, 2003; Anesio et al.,
2004; Judd et al., 2006). In natural settings, DOM parent material is
primarily derived from terrigenous and aquatic macro (e.g. plants,
animals) and microorganisms (e.g. algae, phytoplankton and
bacteria).
Chromophoric dissolved organic matter (CDOM), the fraction
that absorbs ultraviolet (UV) and visible light, is the controlling
factor for the optical properties of surface waters (Green and
Blough, 1994).
2. Materials and Methods
Summarizes the procedure performed in the experiment in
paragraph form (do not include parts that were not done). Past
tense, passive voice. Do not include diagram or procedural steps in
preparing set-ups.
Sample:
2.1. Synthesis
All fluorescence measurements were made using a SPEX
equipped with a 450W Xe lamp, double excitation and emission
monochromators and an extended red, high sensitivity, multi-alkali
photocathode photomultiplier tube (Hamamatsu Corporation,
Bridgewater, NJ, USA) with slits set to 5 nm for both excitation and
emission monochromators and using a 0.1 s integration time.
2.2. Characterization
EEM fluorescence spectra were obtained by collecting a series of
43 emission scans (kEm 250550 nm, 2.5 nm intervals) at 5 nm
excitation wavelength intervals between kEx 240 and 450 nm.
3. Results and Discussion
Most important part of the report. Presents pertinent results of
the experiment. Organizes data into tables, figures, graphs, etc.
(whichever is appropriate). Should provide labels with short
caption for each tables, figures, graphs, etc. Label for tables should
be on top of the table while label for figures should be below the
figure.
Discussion should include the following:
- Mechanism of the reaction(s)
- Purpose of each reagents
- Rationalization of method (purpose of each major techniques in
the methodology)
- Techniques used to increase the yield
- Interpretation of results (What is its significance?)
- Compare expected results with those obtained, account for any
difference
- Possible reasons for low yield
- Assessment of product purity
Sample:

*Corresponding author. Mobile: 09062510901

E-mail address: justinbirdwell@yahoo.com
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3.1. Geochemical Analysis fluorescence features, lacked significant terrestrial signatures and
exhibited unique absorbance characteristics. One of the most
Geochemical data for each of the samples are listed in Table 1. important findings is that a substantial portion of CDOM in karst
The EEM spectra of the cave and spring waters (Fig. 2, panels a waters, and especially in sulfidic cave systems, appears to be almost
through i) contained many of the characteristic peaks observed in exclusively a result of in situ microbial activity.
other studies of marine and terrestrial CDOM (e.g. Fig. 1).
References
3.2. Sample Absorbance and Fluorescence
Include at least 3 credible publications, books, journals, etc.
The absorbance spectra for the cave and spring waters had steep
drops in optical density between 200 and 250 nm, followed by an
exponential decrease with increasing wavelength beyond 280 nm. Sample:
Many samples had a peak or shoulder in the ca. 260 270 nm range, Aiken, G., McKnight, D.M., Harnish, R., Wershaw, R., 1996. Geochemistry of
consistent with strong absorbance by fluorescent amino acids, but aquatic humic substances in the Lake Fryxell Basin, Antarctica.
could also be due to the presence of a wide range of other specific Biogeochemistry 34, 157188.
compounds that absorb in this region of the UV spectrum.
Alberts, J.J., Takcs, M., 2004. Total luminescence spectra of IHSS
standards and reference fulvic acids, humic acids and natural organic
Table 1
matter: comparison of aquatic and terrestrial source terms. Organic
Amount of Alcohol and Acid for a Specific Type of Ester Geochemistry 35, 243256. American Public Health Association, 1998.
Flavor Alcohol Acid Volume (mL) Standard Methods for the Examination of Water and Wastewater, 20th ed.
Volume(mL) American Public Health Association, Washington, DC.
Banana 2-pentanol Acetic acid
(9.77 mL) (3.43 mL) Anesio, A.M., Hollas, C., Granli, W., Laybourn-Perry, J., 2004. Influence of
Peach Benzyl alcohol Acetic acid humic substances on bacterial and viral dynamics in freshwaters. Applied
(9.36 mL) (3.43 mL) and Environmental Microbiology 70, 48484854.
Pear 1-propanol Acetic acid
(6.73 mL) (3.43 mL) Appendices
Pineapple Butyric acid Butyric acid
(5.26 mL) (5.51 mL) - Other raw data not presented in the discussion
Apple Methanol Butyric acid - Completely filled out data sheet with calculations
(3.65 mL) (5.51 mL) - Answers to questions that have no relevance/connection to the
report.

Fig. 1. Gel permeation chromatogram of MePEGPLA block

copolymer.

4. Conclusion and Recommendations

Summary of important results (should answer: so what).

Discuss degree of success or failure of the experiment. If necessary
and possible, include suggestions for improvement (on the method
used, NOT on the course or how it is being handled). Be direct in
stating conclusion and recommendation (dont include background
information).

Sample:
The cave and spring waters displayed strong microbial

*Corresponding author. Mobile: 09062510901

E-mail address: justinbirdwell@yahoo.com