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Fluorescence spectroscopy measurements of dissolved organic carbon in the Broadkill River estuary from 2020-01-22 to 2020-09-09 (NCEI Accession 0241383)

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The data presented in this submission was for the Delaware Sea Grant project R/HCE-37 titled "Fingerprinting the sources or organic matter using fluorescence spectroscopy: a feasibility study in the Broadkill River estuary." There were three types of samples included, the first was insitu samples from the Broadkill River watershed, located in southern Delaware, USA. Samples were collected at three different times of the year to represent seasonality. The second type of sample was source samples that represented the different land uses found within the watershed. The third type was the source mix samples, which mixed the varying sources to try to mimic the natural environment. Dissolved organic carbon (DOC) concentrations were measured on each sample as well as ultra-violet/visible and fluorescence spectroscopy in the form of the specific ultra-violet absorbance at the wavelength 254 nm (SUVA254) and excitation-emission matrices (EEMs).

Dataset Citation

Cite as: Ebling, Alina; Wozniak, Andrew (2021). Fluorescence spectroscopy measurements of dissolved organic carbon in the Broadkill River estuary from 2020-01-22 to 2020-09-09 (NCEI Accession 0241383). [indicate subset used]. NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information. Dataset. https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/archive/accession/0241383. Accessed [date].

Dataset Identifiers

ISO 19115-2 Metadata

gov.noaa.nodc:0241383

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Distribution Formats	Text File Excel
Ordering Instructions	Contact NCEI for other distribution options and instructions.
Distributor	NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information +1-301-713-3277 NCEI.Info@noaa.gov
Dataset Point of Contact	NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information ncei.info@noaa.gov

Time Period	2020-01-22 to 2020-09-09
Spatial Bounding Box Coordinates	West: -75.43867 East: -75.16047 South: 38.718357 North: 38.99683
Spatial Coverage Map

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Publication Dates	publication: 2021-09-23
Data Presentation Form	Digital table - digital representation of facts or figures systematically displayed, especially in columns
Dataset Progress Status	Complete - production of the data has been completed Historical archive - data has been stored in an offline storage facility
Data Update Frequency	As needed
Supplemental Information	Submission Package ID: RHG9T5
Purpose	Organic matter is the source of energy used by bacteria in waterways. The bacteria can draw down oxygen levels to levels too low to sustain life in certain portions of waterways, including parts of the Broadkill River being studied in this project. When low oxygen or related water quality events occur, understanding the source of the organic matter causing the problem is desirable so solutions can be sought. Such a tool would ideally be useful in any waterway and is thus relevant at all geographic scales. The lead PI and his team conducted a study to evaluate whether fluorescence spectroscopy (excitation emission matrix spectroscopy) can reliably provide fingerprints for organic matter sources within waterways and from watershed sources. The target audience for this work was coastal managers interested in deploying such a tool for understanding the major sources of organic matter to waterways. The results of the research were to isolate the portion of the excitation emission matrix spectra that are useful for tracking organic matter sources and to identify the major obstacles of using fluorescence spectroscopy for tracking organic matter sources. Source signals can be lost when the transit time is longer than a few days due to microbial and photodegradative processes. This is the case for the most upstream portions of the Broadkill River which can take on the order of a week to be exported to Delaware Bay depending on river discharge. When two source waters are added, the corresponding fluorescent dissolved organic matter spectrum is not additive in all areas of the spectrum. Importantly though, portions of the spectra do respond additively. This finding suggests that managers focus on a certain range of excitation and emission wavelengths for the purpose of tracking organic matter source. The knowledge gained from this can be used with future research to develop a strategy for monitoring fluorescent dissolved organic matter. For instance, managers may be interested in deploying fluorescence sensors for the purposes of tracking organic matter sources. This work allows them to identify the relevant excitation emission wavelengths.
Use Limitations	accessLevel: Public Distribution liability: NOAA and NCEI make no warranty, expressed or implied, regarding these data, nor does the fact of distribution constitute such a warranty. NOAA and NCEI cannot assume liability for any damages caused by any errors or omissions in these data. If appropriate, NCEI can only certify that the data it distributes are an authentic copy of the records that were accepted for inclusion in the NCEI archives.

Dataset Citation	Cite as: Ebling, Alina; Wozniak, Andrew (2021). Fluorescence spectroscopy measurements of dissolved organic carbon in the Broadkill River estuary from 2020-01-22 to 2020-09-09 (NCEI Accession 0241383). [indicate subset used]. NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information. Dataset. https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/archive/accession/0241383. Accessed [date].
Cited Authors	Ebling, Alina University of Delaware; College of Earth, Ocean, and Environment; School of Marine Science and Policy Wozniak, Andrew University of Delaware; College of Earth, Ocean, and Environment; School of Marine Science and Policy
Principal Investigators	Andrew Wozniak University of Delaware; College of Earth, Ocean, and Environment; School of Marine Science and Policy
Contributors	University of Delaware; College of Earth, Ocean, and Environment; School of Marine Science and Policy
Resource Providers	Alina Ebling University of Delaware; College of Earth, Ocean, and Environment; School of Marine Science and Policy University of Delaware; College of Earth, Ocean, and Environment; School of Marine Science and Policy
Points of Contact	Alina Ebling University of Delaware; College of Earth, Ocean, and Environment; School of Marine Science and Policy
Publishers	NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information

Theme keywords	NODC DATA TYPES THESAURUS DISSOLVED ORGANIC CARBON LATITUDE LONGITUDE NODC OBSERVATION TYPES THESAURUS in situ laboratory analyses model output water chemistry WMO_CategoryCode oceanography Global Change Master Directory (GCMD) Science Keywords EARTH SCIENCE > OCEANS > OCEAN CHEMISTRY > ORGANIC CARBON Provider Keywords EXCITATION-EMISSION MATRICES PARAFAC Model SPECIFIC ULTRAVIOLET ABSORBANCE 254
Data Center keywords	NODC COLLECTING INSTITUTION NAMES THESAURUS University of Delaware; College of Earth, Ocean, and Environment; School of Marine Science and Policy NODC SUBMITTING INSTITUTION NAMES THESAURUS University of Delaware; College of Earth, Ocean, and Environment; School of Marine Science and Policy
Instrument keywords	NODC INSTRUMENT TYPES THESAURUS fluorometer GPS Total Organic Carbon (TOC) analyzer Global Change Master Directory (GCMD) Instrument Keywords FLUOROMETERS > FLUOROMETERS GPS RECEIVERS > GPS RECEIVERS TOC > Total Organic Carbon Analyzer
Place keywords	NODC SEA AREA NAMES THESAURUS North Atlantic Ocean Global Change Master Directory (GCMD) Location Keywords OCEAN > ATLANTIC OCEAN > NORTH ATLANTIC OCEAN
Keywords	NCEI ACCESSION NUMBER 0241383

Use Constraints	Cite as: Ebling, Alina; Wozniak, Andrew (2021). Fluorescence spectroscopy measurements of dissolved organic carbon in the Broadkill River estuary from 2020-01-22 to 2020-09-09 (NCEI Accession 0241383). [indicate subset used]. NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information. Dataset. https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/archive/accession/0241383. Accessed [date].
Access Constraints	Use liability: NOAA and NCEI cannot provide any warranty as to the accuracy, reliability, or completeness of furnished data. Users assume responsibility to determine the usability of these data. The user is responsible for the results of any application of this data for other than its intended purpose.
Fees	In most cases, electronic downloads of the data are free. However, fees may apply for custom orders, data certifications, copies of analog materials, and data distribution on physical media.

Lineage information for: dataset
Processing Steps	2021-09-23T23:18:28Z - NCEI Accession 0241383 v1.1 was published.
Output Datasets	NCEI Accession 0241383 v1.1 NCEI Accession 0241383 v1.1 (download) published 2021-09-23T23:18:28Z

Lineage information for: dataset
Processing Steps	Parameter or Variable: DISSOLVED ORGANIC CARBON (calculated); Units: ppm; Observation Category: laboratory analysis; Sampling Instrument: Total Organic Carbon (TOC) Analyzer; Sampling and Analyzing Method: For watershed samples and also the wastewater treatment source sample, water samples were collected via water pump and pre-cleaned tubing from each site and placed into acid-cleaned plastic bottles and kept in the dark at 4°C until filtration (less than 24 hours). Samples were filtered in the lab using vacuum filtration (pre-combusted 0.7 micron 47 mm GF/F filters). For the wetland, agriculture, suburban, and forest source samples, soil samples from representative sources within the watershed were collected in plastic bags and stored in the dark until further processing (less than 24 hours). Approximately 25 grams of wet soil was added to 250 mL of ultra high purity water and mixed overnight using a shaker table. The soil leachate was filtered from the soil/water mixture using vacuum filtration (pre-combusted 0.7 micron 47 mm GF/F filters). For the impervious source sample, rainwater was collected from runoff of a blacktop surface during a significant rainstorm. The rainwater was filtered using vacuum filtration (pre-combusted 0.7 micron 47 mm GF/F filters). For the algae bloom source, a mixture of cultured algae representative of local waters was left sit overnight prior to filtration. The mixture was filtered using vacuum filtration (pre-combusted 0.7 micron 47 mm GF/F filters). All filtered samples were transferred into acid-cleaned plastic bottles and stored in the dark at 4°C until analysis (less than 1 week). Source mix samples were mixed from filtered source samples in various ratios to mimic land use and other scenarios within the environment. Source mix samples were collected into acid-cleaned plastic bottles and stored in the dark at 4°C until analysis (less than 1 week). Subsets of all the samples were acidified to pH 2 with 2 Molar hydrochloric acid just before analysis by the TOC analyzer. Concentrations were calculated based on external calibration standards of potassium hydrogen phthalate.; Data Quality Method: Consensus reference material (CRM) check standards from the Uni. of Miami Hansell laboratory were analyzed at the beginning, middle, and end of every analysis run. Every analysis run with CRMs beyond +/- 10% of the consensus value were discarded, and the samples re-analyzed. The limit of detection was determined based on calculating three times the standard deviation of ultra high purity water analyzed throughout the analysis run. Any concentration below this value was discarded (labeled BDL in spreadsheet).. Parameter or Variable: LATITUDE (measured); Units: degrees north; Observation Category: in situ; Sampling Instrument: GPS. Parameter or Variable: LONGITUDE (measured); Units: degrees west; Observation Category: in situ; Sampling Instrument: GPS. Parameter or Variable: SPECIFIC ULTRAVIOLET ABSORBANCE 254 (calculated); Units: L/(mg m); Observation Category: laboratory analysis; Sampling Instrument: fluorometer; Sampling and Analyzing Method: For watershed samples and also the wastewater treatment source sample, water samples were collected via water pump from each site and placed into acid-cleaned plastic bottles and kept in the dark at 4°C until filtration (less than 24 hours). Samples were filtered in the lab using vacuum filtration (pre-combusted 0.7 micron 47 mm GF/F filters). For the wetland, agriculture, suburban, and forest source samples, soil samples from representative sources within the watershed were collected in plastic bags and stored in the dark until further processing (less than 24 hours). Approximately 25 grams of wet soil was added to 250 mL of ultra high purity water and mixed overnight using a shaker table. The soil leachate was filtered from the soil/water mixture using vacuum filtration (pre-combusted 0.7 micron 47 mm GF/F filters). For the impervious source sample, rainwater was collected from runoff of a blacktop surface during a significant rainstorm. The rainwater was filtered using vacuum filtration (pre-combusted 0.7 micron 47 mm GF/F filters). For the algae bloom source, a mixture of cultured algae representative of local waters was left sit overnight prior to filtration. The mixture was filtered using vacuum filtration (pre-combusted 0.7 micron 47 mm GF/F filters). All filtered samples were transferred into pre-combusted glass vials and stored in the dark at 4°C until analysis (less than 48 hours). Source mix samples were mixed from filtered source samples in various ratios to mimic land use and other scenarios within the environment. Source mix samples were collected into pre-combusted glass vials and stored in the dark at 4°C until analysis (less than 48 hours). All samples were brought to room temperature just before analysis by the Horiba Aqualog which measures absorbance spectra and fluorescence excitation-emission matrices simultaneously. SUVA254 was calculated from the absorbance of each sample at wavelength 254 nm (in m-1) divided by its dissolved organic carbon concentration (in ppm).; Data Quality Method: Daily lamp checks are performed as well as the Raman Scattering Area Unit for ultra high purity water is determined at the beginning of every analysis run to ensure proper instrumental operation.. Parameter or Variable: EXCITATION-EMISSION MATRICES (calculated); Units: arbitrary intensity units; Observation Category: laboratory analysis; Sampling Instrument: fluorometer; Sampling and Analyzing Method: For watershed samples and also the wastewater treatment source sample, water samples were collected via water pump from each site and placed into acid-cleaned plastic bottles and kept in the dark at 4°C until filtration (less than 24 hours). Samples were filtered in the lab using vacuum filtration (pre-combusted 0.7 micron 47 mm GF/F filters). For the wetland, agriculture, suburban, and forest source samples, soil samples from representative sources within the watershed were collected in plastic bags and stored in the dark until further processing (less than 24 hours). Approximately 25 grams of wet soil was added to 250 mL of ultra high purity water and mixed overnight using a shaker table. The soil leachate was filtered from the soil/water mixture using vacuum filtration (pre-combusted 0.7 micron 47 mm GF/F filters). For the impervious source sample, rainwater was collected from runoff of a blacktop surface during a significant rainstorm. The rainwater was filtered using vacuum filtration (pre-combusted 0.7 micron 47 mm GF/F filters). For the algae bloom source, a mixture of cultured algae representative of local waters was left to sit overnight prior to filtration. The mixture was filtered using vacuum filtration (pre-combusted 0.7 micron 47 mm GF/F filters). Once filtered, all samples were transferred into pre-combusted glass vials and stored in the dark at 4°C until analysis (less than 48 hours). Source mix samples were mixed from filtered source samples in various ratios to mimic land use and other scenarios within the environment. Source mix samples were collected into pre-combusted glass vials and stored in the dark at 4°C until analysis (less than 48 hours). All samples were brought to room temperature just before analysis by the Horiba Aqualog which measures absorbance spectra and fluorescence excitation-emission matrices simultaneously. Each matrix is subject to Interfilter Corrections, Raleigh Masking of the first and second order, and finally normalized to the daily Raman Scattering Area Unit for ultra high purity water.; Data Quality Method: Daily lamp checks are performed as well as the Raman Scattering Area Unit for ultra high purity water is determined at the beginning of every analysis run to ensure proper instrumental operation.. Parameter or Variable: PARAFAC Model (calculated); Units: arbitrary intensity units; Observation Category: model output; Sampling Instrument: fluorometer; Sampling and Analyzing Method: The Excitation-Emission Matrices (EEMs) for every sample was loaded into a parallel factor analysis (PARAFAC) in the MATLAB2019a platform. The drEEM modeling tool was used to process the data and generate a 4-component model..

Lineage information for: dataset

Processing Steps

Parameter or Variable: DISSOLVED ORGANIC CARBON (calculated); Units: ppm; Observation Category: laboratory analysis; Sampling Instrument: Total Organic Carbon (TOC) Analyzer; Sampling and Analyzing Method: For watershed samples and also the wastewater treatment source sample, water samples were collected via water pump and pre-cleaned tubing from each site and placed into acid-cleaned plastic bottles and kept in the dark at 4°C until filtration (less than 24 hours). Samples were filtered in the lab using vacuum filtration (pre-combusted 0.7 micron 47 mm GF/F filters). For the wetland, agriculture, suburban, and forest source samples, soil samples from representative sources within the watershed were collected in plastic bags and stored in the dark until further processing (less than 24 hours). Approximately 25 grams of wet soil was added to 250 mL of ultra high purity water and mixed overnight using a shaker table. The soil leachate was filtered from the soil/water mixture using vacuum filtration (pre-combusted 0.7 micron 47 mm GF/F filters). For the impervious source sample, rainwater was collected from runoff of a blacktop surface during a significant rainstorm. The rainwater was filtered using vacuum filtration (pre-combusted 0.7 micron 47 mm GF/F filters). For the algae bloom source, a mixture of cultured algae representative of local waters was left sit overnight prior to filtration. The mixture was filtered using vacuum filtration (pre-combusted 0.7 micron 47 mm GF/F filters). All filtered samples were transferred into acid-cleaned plastic bottles and stored in the dark at 4°C until analysis (less than 1 week). Source mix samples were mixed from filtered source samples in various ratios to mimic land use and other scenarios within the environment. Source mix samples were collected into acid-cleaned plastic bottles and stored in the dark at 4°C until analysis (less than 1 week). Subsets of all the samples were acidified to pH 2 with 2 Molar hydrochloric acid just before analysis by the TOC analyzer. Concentrations were calculated based on external calibration standards of potassium hydrogen phthalate.; Data Quality Method: Consensus reference material (CRM) check standards from the Uni. of Miami Hansell laboratory were analyzed at the beginning, middle, and end of every analysis run. Every analysis run with CRMs beyond +/- 10% of the consensus value were discarded, and the samples re-analyzed. The limit of detection was determined based on calculating three times the standard deviation of ultra high purity water analyzed throughout the analysis run. Any concentration below this value was discarded (labeled BDL in spreadsheet)..
Parameter or Variable: LATITUDE (measured); Units: degrees north; Observation Category: in situ; Sampling Instrument: GPS.
Parameter or Variable: LONGITUDE (measured); Units: degrees west; Observation Category: in situ; Sampling Instrument: GPS.
Parameter or Variable: SPECIFIC ULTRAVIOLET ABSORBANCE 254 (calculated); Units: L/(mg m); Observation Category: laboratory analysis; Sampling Instrument: fluorometer; Sampling and Analyzing Method: For watershed samples and also the wastewater treatment source sample, water samples were collected via water pump from each site and placed into acid-cleaned plastic bottles and kept in the dark at 4°C until filtration (less than 24 hours). Samples were filtered in the lab using vacuum filtration (pre-combusted 0.7 micron 47 mm GF/F filters). For the wetland, agriculture, suburban, and forest source samples, soil samples from representative sources within the watershed were collected in plastic bags and stored in the dark until further processing (less than 24 hours). Approximately 25 grams of wet soil was added to 250 mL of ultra high purity water and mixed overnight using a shaker table. The soil leachate was filtered from the soil/water mixture using vacuum filtration (pre-combusted 0.7 micron 47 mm GF/F filters). For the impervious source sample, rainwater was collected from runoff of a blacktop surface during a significant rainstorm. The rainwater was filtered using vacuum filtration (pre-combusted 0.7 micron 47 mm GF/F filters). For the algae bloom source, a mixture of cultured algae representative of local waters was left sit overnight prior to filtration. The mixture was filtered using vacuum filtration (pre-combusted 0.7 micron 47 mm GF/F filters). All filtered samples were transferred into pre-combusted glass vials and stored in the dark at 4°C until analysis (less than 48 hours). Source mix samples were mixed from filtered source samples in various ratios to mimic land use and other scenarios within the environment. Source mix samples were collected into pre-combusted glass vials and stored in the dark at 4°C until analysis (less than 48 hours). All samples were brought to room temperature just before analysis by the Horiba Aqualog which measures absorbance spectra and fluorescence excitation-emission matrices simultaneously. SUVA254 was calculated from the absorbance of each sample at wavelength 254 nm (in m-1) divided by its dissolved organic carbon concentration (in ppm).; Data Quality Method: Daily lamp checks are performed as well as the Raman Scattering Area Unit for ultra high purity water is determined at the beginning of every analysis run to ensure proper instrumental operation..
Parameter or Variable: EXCITATION-EMISSION MATRICES (calculated); Units: arbitrary intensity units; Observation Category: laboratory analysis; Sampling Instrument: fluorometer; Sampling and Analyzing Method: For watershed samples and also the wastewater treatment source sample, water samples were collected via water pump from each site and placed into acid-cleaned plastic bottles and kept in the dark at 4°C until filtration (less than 24 hours). Samples were filtered in the lab using vacuum filtration (pre-combusted 0.7 micron 47 mm GF/F filters). For the wetland, agriculture, suburban, and forest source samples, soil samples from representative sources within the watershed were collected in plastic bags and stored in the dark until further processing (less than 24 hours). Approximately 25 grams of wet soil was added to 250 mL of ultra high purity water and mixed overnight using a shaker table. The soil leachate was filtered from the soil/water mixture using vacuum filtration (pre-combusted 0.7 micron 47 mm GF/F filters). For the impervious source sample, rainwater was collected from runoff of a blacktop surface during a significant rainstorm. The rainwater was filtered using vacuum filtration (pre-combusted 0.7 micron 47 mm GF/F filters). For the algae bloom source, a mixture of cultured algae representative of local waters was left to sit overnight prior to filtration. The mixture was filtered using vacuum filtration (pre-combusted 0.7 micron 47 mm GF/F filters). Once filtered, all samples were transferred into pre-combusted glass vials and stored in the dark at 4°C until analysis (less than 48 hours). Source mix samples were mixed from filtered source samples in various ratios to mimic land use and other scenarios within the environment. Source mix samples were collected into pre-combusted glass vials and stored in the dark at 4°C until analysis (less than 48 hours). All samples were brought to room temperature just before analysis by the Horiba Aqualog which measures absorbance spectra and fluorescence excitation-emission matrices simultaneously. Each matrix is subject to Interfilter Corrections, Raleigh Masking of the first and second order, and finally normalized to the daily Raman Scattering Area Unit for ultra high purity water.; Data Quality Method: Daily lamp checks are performed as well as the Raman Scattering Area Unit for ultra high purity water is determined at the beginning of every analysis run to ensure proper instrumental operation..
Parameter or Variable: PARAFAC Model (calculated); Units: arbitrary intensity units; Observation Category: model output; Sampling Instrument: fluorometer; Sampling and Analyzing Method: The Excitation-Emission Matrices (EEMs) for every sample was loaded into a parallel factor analysis (PARAFAC) in the MATLAB2019a platform. The drEEM modeling tool was used to process the data and generate a 4-component model..

Acquisition Information (collection)
Instrument	fluorometer GPS Total Organic Carbon (TOC) analyzer

Last Modified: 2024-03-08T13:12:18Z
For questions about the information on this page, please email: ncei.info@noaa.gov

Fluorescence spectroscopy measurements of dissolved organic carbon in the Broadkill River estuary from 2020-01-22 to 2020-09-09 (NCEI Accession 0241383)

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