Characterisation of reverse osmosis permeates from municipal recycled water systems using fluorescence spectroscopy: Implications for integrity monitoring

► Reverse osmosis permeates from three water recycling plants were characterised. ► Analysis was by excitation-emission matrix fluorescence spectroscopy. ► Fluorescence was shown to be highly sensitive to changes in membrane permeate quality. ► Peak C showed the highest sensitivity. ► Fluorescence is a promising technique for sensitive performance monitoring for RO treatment.