Evolution of the fluorometric method for the measurement of ammonium/ ammonia in natural waters: A review

In order to advance our comprehension of the underlying regulatory mechanisms governing nitrogen processes in aquatic ecosystems, it is crucial to understand the roles of ammonium and ammonia. Ammonium and ammonia are significant pollutants in the aquatic environment, serving as water quality indicators. The accurate measurement of ammonium/ammonia presents a major challenge. Various analytical methods have been employed for the measurement of ammonium/ammonia, among which the fluorometric approach has emerged as the preferred method due to its high sensitivity, avoiding the need for enrichment techniques. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the most pertinent publications regarding the determination of ammonium/ ammonia in aqueous samples using fluorometric methodologies, including fluorometric method development for ammonium/ammonia measurements, the integration of fluorometric analysis with separation techniques and onsite applications in environmental waters. Additionally, this review identifies critical issues affecting the analytical performance of fluorometry for ammonium/ammonia measurements, providing recommendations regarding future research directions.