Using Quinine as a Fluorescent Tracer to Estimate Overland Flow Velocities on Bare Soil: Proof of Concept under Controlled Laboratory Conditions

This study presents a tracer technique based on the fluorescent properties of quinine to help visualization shallow flows and allow quantitative measurement overland flow velocities. Laboratory experiments were conducted compare traditional dye thermal techniques with this novel (quinine) by injecting solution other tracers into flowing surface water. The leading-edge velocities, estimated using videos compared velocities obtained thermograms real imaging tracers. results show that can be used estimate both rill since measurements are similar those resulting from commonly main advantage is higher visibility injected under ultraviolet A (UVA) light for low luminosity conditions. In addition, smaller amounts needed than tracers, which lead disturbances in flow. It requires simple experimental setup non-toxic environment.