Criteria for selecting fluorescent dye tracers for soil hydrological applications using Uranine as an example

K M Gerke; Roy C Sidle; D Mallants

doi:10.2478/johh-2013-0040

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Criteria for selecting fluorescent dye tracers for soil hydrological applications using Uranine as an example

Journal article

Open access

Peer reviewed

Criteria for selecting fluorescent dye tracers for soil hydrological applications using Uranine as an example

K M Gerke, Roy C Sidle and D Mallants

Journal of Hydrology and Hydromechanics, Vol.61(4), pp.313-325

2013

DOI: https://doi.org/10.2478/johh-2013-0040

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Abstract

staining

preferential flow paths visualization

molar extinction coefficient

tracer concentration quantification

vadose zone hydrology

Calibrating and verifying 2-D and 3-D vadose zone flow and transport models requires detailed information on water and solute redistribution. Among the different water flow and mass transfer determination methods, staining tracers have the best spatial resolution allowing visualization and quantification of fluid flow including preferential flow paths. Staining techniques have been used successfully for several decades; however, the hydrological community is still searching for an "ideal" vadose zone tracer regarding flow path visualization. To date, most research using staining dyes is carried out with Brilliant Blue FCF. Fluorescent dyes such as Uranine, however, have significant advantages over nonfluorescents which makes them a promising alternative. This paper presents the first analysis of key properties any fluorescent substance must possess to qualify as a staining fluorescent tracer in vadose zone hydrological applications. First, we summarize the main physico-chemical properties of Uranine and evaluate its staining tracer potential with conventional suitability indicators and visibility testing in a soil profile. Based on numerical analysis using the theory of fluorescence, we show that a low molar absorption coefficient is a crucial parameter to quantify concentration accurately. In addition, excitation of a tracer on wavelengths different from the maximum excitation wavelength can extend the linear range of the concentration-fluorescence relationship significantly. Finally, we develop criteria for evaluating the suitability of any potential fluorescent soil staining compound for soil hydrological applications: 1) high quantum yield, 2) low molar absorption coefficient, 3) fluorescence independent of temperature, 4) low photodecomposition rates, and 5) fluorescence stable across a wide range of pH values.

Details

Title: Criteria for selecting fluorescent dye tracers for soil hydrological applications using Uranine as an example
Authors: K M Gerke (Author) - CSIRO Land and Water
Roy C Sidle (Author) - Environmental Protection Agency
D Mallants (Author) - CSIRO Land and Water
Publication details: Journal of Hydrology and Hydromechanics, Vol.61(4), pp.313-325
Publisher: Slovenska Akademia Vied - Ustav Hydrologie
Date published: 2013
DOI: 10.2478/johh-2013-0040
ISSN: 0042-790X
Organisation Unit: University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland; Sustainability Research Cluster
Language: English
Record Identifier: 99449298202621
Output Type: Journal article

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Web Of Science research areas: Water Resources

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