The in-line UV–vis spectrophotometer (Real Spectrum Platinum Series) used is manufactured by Real Tech Inc. (Ontario, Canada) and provides real-time analysis across the entire spectrum of UV and / or visible light ( Fig. 1 ). The instrument combines high wavelength reso- lution with the power of a deuterium light source as used in high-end lab spectrophotometers, and provides accurate and sensitive spec- trum analysis. The spectral range is extended into the visible region with the addition of a tungsten light source. The instrument is used at water and wastewater treatment plants for real-time and in-line mea- surement of total organic carbon, disinfection by-product precursors, nitrate, and UV transmittance for UV disinfection. The instrument has a sampling frequency of 1 min and has a wavelength resolution of 1 nm. The recommended working range is between 0 and 1 A.U. In this study, the absorbance values were measured between 191.5–750 nm and no significant absorbance was detected from poly- mer samples above 260 nm. Therefore, the results are presented in the wavelength range of 191.5–300 nm.