This manual describes the current fluorometric procedures
used by the U.S. Geological Survey in dye tracer studies such
as time of travel, dispersion, reaeration, and dilution-type discharge
measurements. The advantages of dye tracing are (1)
low detection and measurement limits and (2) simplicity and
accuracy in measuring dye tracer concentrations using
fluorometric techniques.
The manual contains necessary background information
about fluorescence, dyes, and fluorometers and a description
of fluorometric operation and calibration procedures as a
guide for laboratory and field use. The background information
should be useful to anyone wishing to experiment with
dyes, fluorometer components, or procedures different from
those described. In addition, a brief section on aerial photography
is included because of its possible use to supplement
ground-level fluorometry.