ON THE DETECTION OF LOW-WEIGHT NATURAL ORGANIC-MOLECULES FROM MARINE INTERSTITIAL WATERS IN GEL CHROMATOGRAPHY

Gel permeation chromatography is a powerful tool to fractionate the natural organic matter prior to other analyses. Nevertheless, the small organic molecules (molecular weight < 1000) may show various physico‐chemical properties because of their high relative functionality. Consequently, the usual detection methods may prove inadequate. The Dissolved Organic Carbon measurement is a safe means to avoid misinterpretation of a “spectroscopic detection chromatogram”; even though it is difficult to set up and is poorly sensitive. However, the simultaneous use of several methods, including DOC measurement, may give additional qualitative information. © 1990 Publications Division Selper Ltd.