Characterization of Dissolved Organic Matter in Wadi Al-Badan using Fourier Transform Infrared Microspectroscopy at SESAME
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Date
2019-05-15
Authors
Atari, Amal
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
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Publisher
An Najah National University
Abstract
Wadi Al-Badan is one the Faria catchment tributaries that drains from the eastern parts of Nablus city. Water quality in the Wadi is being deteriorated due to the continuous effluent of untreated wastewater from the city of Nablus. Contamination by Dissolved Organic Matter (DOM) is a predominant problem in the Wadi which in turn can activate microorganisms growth in the Wadi flow. The presences of microbiological contaminants will potentially contaminate the surface water and groundwater resources in the catchment. The contaminated water will endanger the local consumers mainly those use water for drinking purposes. Therefore, it is important to study and characterize the DOM in Wadi Al-Badan. Selected water samples were collected along the main Wadi (stream flow) and analyzed using two methods: firstly, traditional analysis that was conducted at the labs of the Water and Environmental Studies Institute (WESI) of An-Najah National University and secondly, using FTIR analysis at Synchrotron light for Experimental Science and Applications (SESAME) in Jordan. For FTIR analysis, after survey spectra were obtained, they were analyzed using Essential FTIR software, which allows for identifying various peaks of DOM components. FTIR results showed that the considerable presences of different compounds of DOM are: Amide, aromatic, aliphatic, and carbohydrate compounds. In addition, DOM chemical compositions are affected by DOM inputs from the surrounding environment and natural purification that take place along the main Wadi. The study demonstrated that FTIR method could be used to characterize DOM in aquatic system, as well as to track the potential sources of DOM in Wadi flow.