Fluorescence detection of hydrocarbons in harbour water

In harbor water, the hydrocarbons pollution identification represents an important issue. Hydrocarbon presence derives from oil spills, for instance in bilge water, or it may come from industrial discharge. A prompt identification of oil presence is crucial for living beings and for the maintenance of a healthy marine environment. Both crude oil and fuels contain different fluorophores that under ultraviolet radiation exhibit a strong fluorescence which varies in intensity and hue. Fluorescence results mainly from the emission of aromatic hydrocarbons. Indeed, fluorescence spectroscopy is a widely used technique for characterization of oil samples.