Application of Fluorescent Indicators in Geoecological Monitoring of Surface Waters

Analysis of water samples from the Okhta River and its tributary, the Murinsky Stream, was carried out according to standardized chemical indicators (concentrations of major ions, total N, N (NH4+) , C org , electrical conductivity) and non-standardized optical indicators (D254, fluorescence intensity). To substantiate the informativeness of the latter in monitoring anthropogenic pollution, correlation analysis of the data for each watercourse was performed. It was noted that the Murinsky Stream is more polluted than the Okhta River along its entire course and significantly affects the composition of its waters. It was established that as a result of pollution, the concentrations of domestic wastewater markers ( total N, N (NH4+) , electrical conductivity) change much more significantly than Corg due to the high natural background of the latter. It was concluded that fluorescence characteristics of water proved to be more sensitive pollution indicators than COD and BOD5 and are recommended for rapid monitoring of watercourses with high contents of natural organic matter.