The isolation and identification of dyes in aqueous media by solid phase extraction-Fourier transform-Raman spectroscopy (SPERS)

The isolation of photographic dyes in aqueous solution by solid phase extraction (SPE) and identification by FT-Raman spectroscopy is reported. A series of dyes was studied using anion exchange (quaternary amine) and aminopropyl SPE cartridges and disks, Dye identification was possible by comparison of Raman spectra recorded from the SPE cartridges and disks, with a spectral library generated from the corporate reference materials. The determination of an unknown dye in an aqueous effluent stream is described as an application of the technique.