The application of time-resolved spectrofluorometry to measuring benthic fluxes of organic compounds

A fiber-optic fluorometry system is used in conjunction with a benthic flux chamber in an attempt to estimate fluxes of dissolved organic carbon (DOC) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) in situ from coastal marine sediments. These initial deployments in San Diego Bay demonstrate the usefulness of laser-induced fluorescence measurements for continuous DOC determinations and reveal the possibility of using time-resolved fluorescence spectroscopy to estimate PAH concentrations. DOC fluxes from these contaminated sediments are high and may be a result of chamber contamination or may be associated with easily resuspended sediment particles. Sediment fluorescence profiles are also discussed.