Analyzing photodegradation of dissolved organic matter in different water bodies: river, lake, and pond

Abstract

DOM is an important part of water ecosystems worldwide and provides a specific footprint to water bodies. A photochemical reactor and UV/Vis-spectrophotometer were used to treat and characterize water samples from Lake Xuanwu, Qinhuai River, and a pond. Comparing the absorbance, DOC concentration, and SUVA254 values of the water samples shows that UV radiation could degrade aromatics contents in water, and the process is most pronounced in the pond water samples compared to the other two. The results of this study could provide a reference to other studies regarding the hydrosphere in Nanjing and be helpful to future projects in the protection of the Xuanwu Lake and Qinhuai River in Nanjing.