Degradation of Chemicals by Water

Even in the absence of microorganisms or light, some chemical pollutants undergo degradation in water due to a variety of abiotic reactions, including 

Environment Substrates Products Probable mechanisms Likely effects 

Freshwaters Natural organic chromo-phores and pigments, C C- + H02 or C- + AH- c+ + -o2 c + o2 HOOH H atom transfer to 02 or A Electron transfer to 02 Energy transfer to 02 0,- disproportionation other Numerous 

Polluted waters Fe(III)-organic-P04 complex Fe(II) + P04 Unknown Dissolution of colloidal Fe bioavailability of P 

Oil spills RH, ArH, R2S R=0, RCOj, ArOH, R2SO Free radicals direct photolysis singlet oxygen Changes spreading emulsification and toxicity of oil 

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