Photochemical Sinks of Organic Pollutants in Estuarine and Near-Shore Environments
Abstract
The principal objective of this work is to assess the quantitative importance of homogenous and heterogeneous photochemistry as a sink of pollutants in the aquatic environment. Using a combination of chemical trapping techniques, steady-state and time-resolved spectroscopic methods and product analysis, we are examining the mechanisms and magnitude of the photochemical production of strong oxidants and reductants by chromophoric dissolved organic matter (CDOM), as well as how these species may contribute to the degradation of common pollutants such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and halogenated organic compounds. The relative contributions of both the direct and sensitized photochemical destruction of these pollutant classes is under investigation. Ultimately, we hope to employ the information acquired from these studies to develop simple models that can be utilized to predict the photochemical rates of pollutant loss.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 30, 2001
- Accession Number
- ADA628537
Entities
People
- Daniel E. Falvey
- Neil V. Blough
Organizations
- University of Maryland