The boron–organic carbon correlation in water

A linear correlation between boron and organic carbon has been identified for groundwater and surface water. The boron to organic carbon ratio is found to be higher for groundwaters than for surface waters, since surface waters are more heavily loaded with natural organic matter. This correlation in water might result from the complexation of boron with polar organic compounds, not adsorbed on activated carbon, or from independent species. Any deviation from the boron/organic carbon ratio is used to identify pollution events for both boron or organic compounds, and to characterise the origin of unusual water chemistries. Moreover, such a correlation could be used to define natural water pristine conditions in order to restore good quality of water resources.