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Close Details
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2012 - 11th Annual NC State Summer Undergraduate Research Symposium
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Session Time :
8/1/12 1:30 PM - 8/1/12 2:45 PM
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Content Area : MEAS-Wake Tech Program
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Lead Student Presenters : Adam Andrew Lee
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Abstract Title : Application of Fluorescence Spectroscopy to attempt indentificatin of Dissolved Organic Matter in the Rocky River
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Abstract :
High levels of nitrogen in surface waters, which can cause algae blooms, fish kills, and health problems, is a worldwide concern. Recent work has suggested degradation of water quality in the Rocky River, Chatham County, NC, is related to elevated levels of nitrogen in the water. The nitrogen is present both as inorganic nitrogen (nitrate and ammonia) and dissolved organic nitrogen (DON). In the Rocky River, DON levels typically exceed inorganic nitrogen. This study focused on identification of the source of the DON. DON is one component of the complex Dissolved Organic Matter (DOM) present in surface waters. We collected samples of DOM from the Rocky River and its tributaries and examined them using fluorescence spectroscopy. Samples were selected based on high concentrations of organic nitrogen. Fluorescence was used to measure the excitation of organic matter in the samples. The results were analyzed using contour color mapping to indentify peaks that can help lead to the possible source of organic nitrogen. If the source of organic nitrogen can be indentified then possible remediation measures can be implemented in order to help conserve the ecosystem of the Rocky River and reduce the increased algae blooms the currently affect it. Preliminary results suggest that the DON is largely from a source of protein that could be possibly washing into the Rocky River and its tributaries during storm events. Future samples are needed to finger print the specific sources of DON in order to indentify what is washing into the river.
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Mentor and/or Co-Author : John Crothers Fountain
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