Question

My colleague detected fluorescent contamination likely from salicylic acid in some water samples. I have made a new batch and want to check whether my new samples also have this contamination.

1. Can I use a single excitation/emissions fluorometer to detect the presence of contamination from salicylic acid or a compound that fluoresces at the same wavelength as this. If so, what wavelength of emissions and excitation would be suitable?

2. Can I determine the presence of salicylic acid in my samples by measuring absorbance, if so, at what wavelength should I measure?

Answer 1

Yes, a single excitation/emission fluorometer can be used to detect the presence of contamination from salicylic acid or a compound that fluoresces at the same wavelength. However, measuring absorbance alone may not be sufficient to determine the presence of salicylic acid in the samples.

Step-by-step explanation:

1. Yes, a single excitation/emission fluorometer can be used to detect the presence of contamination from salicylic acid or a compound that fluoresces at the same wavelength.

The suitable excitation and emission wavelengths for detection can be determined by referring to the absorption and emission spectra of salicylic acid.

It is recommended to measure the emission at a wavelength where salicylic acid shows the highest fluorescence intensity. 2.

No, measuring absorbance alone may not be sufficient to determine the presence of salicylic acid.

However, if salicylic acid exhibits a characteristic absorption peak in the UV-Vis region, it can be detected by measuring the absorbance at that specific wavelength.