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Nitrate-induced photolysis in natural waters: Controls on concentrations of hydroxyl radical photo-intermediates by natural scavenging agents

Journal Article · · Environmental Science and Technology
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1021/es9802908· OSTI ID:658976
;  [1]
  1. Univ. of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN (United States). Dept. of Civil Engineering

The importance of the principal natural scavenging agents for hydroxyl radicals ({sup {sm_bullet}}OH) was evaluated, and a general framework was developed to predict the significance of nitrate-induced, {sup {sm_bullet}}OH-mediated degradation of aquatic contaminants. Rate constants for *OH scavenging by dissolved organic matter (DOM) from five surface water sources were in a narrow range which is similar to previously reported values and suggests that the importance of DOM as a {sup {sm_bullet}}OH sink can be estimated simply from the dissolved organic carbon (DOC) concentration of a water. Scavenging of {sup {sm_bullet}}*OH by carbonate and bicarbonate is generally less important, but these ions can be the major cause of *OH scavenging in low DOC, high alkalinity waters. Use of the framework is illustrated by predicting levels of {sup {sm_bullet}}OH and half-lives of the corn herbicide acetochlor in waters ranging from pristine to highly influenced by agricultural activities.

OSTI ID:
658976
Journal Information:
Environmental Science and Technology, Journal Name: Environmental Science and Technology Journal Issue: 19 Vol. 32; ISSN ESTHAG; ISSN 0013-936X
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English

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