Keywords: 
• fluorescence /
• threedimensional fluorescence spectrum /
• landfill leachate /
• DOM

Abstract: Fluorescence emission and excitation matrix (EEM) are used to characterize the dissolved organic matter (DOM) of landfill leachates and effluents of the landfill leachates treatment process of one controlled tip in Three Gorges Reservoir Region. Tyrosinelike, tryptophanlike and UV fulviclike are found in the DOM of the landfill leachates. Landfill fluorescence properties are characterized by intense fluorescence at Ex=275 nm, and Em=305 nm which we suggest be highexcitation wavelength tyrosinelike which is different from the former research. The cause of the above difference may be having correlation with the landfill age. Fluorescence index f450/500 over 1.9 from different sampling sites shows that the humic acid is derived from microorganisms. The central position and intensity of the characteristic fluorescence peaks of landfill leachates in the treatment process varied significantly. The variation trend of proteinlike fluorescence intensity is in accordance with the DOC values. In the biochemical treatment process, proteinlike fluorescence intensity was reduced 66.4%～95.5%, while the IA was only reduced 28.8%. The results show proteinlike with better biodegradation than fulviclike. The 3D fluorescence spectra can provides the information of the variations about the pollutant species, composition and concentration in leachates treatment process. Our findings suggest that fluorescence EEM can be used as a rapid and sensitive tracer to qualitatively and quantitatively evaluate leachates treatment efficiency.