UV254

UV254 is a measurement of the amount of light absorbed by organic compounds, specifically aromatic, in a water sample.

WHY IS IT IMPORTANT?

UV254, sometimes referred to as SAC254, is an important parameter for measurement throughout the drinking water treatment process. UV254 provides an indication of the concentration of organic matter, specifically those that contain aromatic rings or unsaturated bonds (double and triple) in their molecular structures. Many organic compounds occurring naturally in the environment, such as humic substances, are aromatic and exist in high concentrations in surface water. These compounds are known to be a major precursor of DBP formation. Therefore, UV254 provides one of the best indications of a water’s potential to form DBPs upon chlorine addition and should be monitored throughout the treatment process to ensure organics are removed.

HOW TO MEASURE

Ultraviolet light at the 254 nm wavelength is passed through a quartz cell containing the sample water. The intensity of the attenuated light is measured with a sensor and divided by a pure water measurement before a logarithm is calculated. The measurement is reported as absorbance per path length (abs/cm). Real Tech has the solutions to help our clients get the information they need, when they need it. Discover our online and grab sampling UV254 solutions here.