Optimized Underwater Detection of Dispersed Oils Using Scanning Fluorometry

The purpose of the Optimized Fluorometry project is to evaluate and collect scientific evidence of the capabilities of existing commercially-off-the-shelf (COTS) fluorometers to detect dispersed oil in relevant field conditions. A recent preliminary study at the New Jersey Institute of Technology suggests that as oils weather, the known shift in aromatic compounds which fluoresce is resulting in the oil to be “excited” by COTS fluorometers in a range that is outside the detection ability of current instruments. This work may identify improved excitation/detection wavelength bands for future development of underwater fluorescence monitoring devices.