UV254 Monitoring for Organic Content
UV absorbance at 254 nm (UV254) measures the absorption of ultraviolet light by compounds present in water. It is commonly used as an indicator of changes in organic content and, where a suitable correlation has been established, as a surrogate for parameters including COD, BOD, DOC and TOC. Continuous UV254 monitoring provides real-time data for process monitoring and treatment control.
Real-Time Organic Monitoring & Control
Correlation with Key Water Quality Parameters
Where a reliable site-specific correlation has been established, UV254 can be used as a surrogate measurement for parameters associated with organic content, including:
- Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD)
Indicates the level of biodegradable organic matter in water - Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD)
Measures the total oxygen required to oxidise organic material - Dissolved Organic Carbon (DOC)
Estimates the concentration of dissolved organic compounds - Total Organic Carbon (TOC)
Provides an overall indication of organic carbon content
What Does UV254 Measure?
UV254 measures the amount of ultraviolet light absorbed by a water sample at a wavelength of 254 nm. Compounds that absorb light at this wavelength contribute to the measured absorbance. Changes in UV254 can therefore be used to monitor changes in water composition and organic loading.
Benefits of Continuous UV254 Monitoring
- Continuous indication of changes in organic load
- Early identification of changes in water quality
- Data to support treatment process control
- Reduced dependence on frequent laboratory measurements where an appropriate correlation has been established
- Continuous measurement between laboratory samples
UV254 provides a rapid, reagent-free measurement that can be used to monitor changes in organic content continuously. Where correlations with laboratory measurements have been established, it can also provide real-time surrogate data for parameters such as COD, BOD, DOC and TOC.