A HPLC-based detection method for fluorescent sea water tracers using on-line solid phase extraction

Abstract A sensitive and discriminating detection method for fluorescent water tracers has been developed. The method is based on on-line solid phase extraction and separation of the concentrated tracers by High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC). The concentrations of separated tracers are determined by (spectro) fluorometric detection. The detection limits for a water sample of 1 l to be extracted are in the range of a few picograms rhodamine B per litre. The measurement system is designed for ship-borne use. Some applications concerning dispersal phenomena in the North Sea are presented.