Fluorescence analysis for water characterization: measurement processes, influencing factors, and data analysis

Fluorescence analysis is a sensitive and selective method that provides abundant information and does not result in sample destruction. This technology is widely used in the detection of dissolved organic matter in the environment. Some challenges with fluorescence analysis are its higher sensitivity so that it is sensitive to background signals, the difficulty of extracting useful information, and the complexity and diversity of analytical methods. This review summarizes recent applications of fluorescence analysis in water research for the characterization of pollutants, evaluation of water treatment processes, and monitoring of emerging contaminants such as drugs, disinfection by-products, and toxicity. Two-dimensional fluorescence and excitation–emission matrix fluorescence analysis methods are discussed, along with their advantages and disadvantages, and application scope. Methods for sample processing, instrument calibration, and data analysis are proposed. This review is an important source of information for the application of fluorescence technology in water research such as the analysis of emerging contaminants.