Abstract
We show that the transformation of benzene into phenol is a more selective probe for the hydroxyl radical than the transformation of nitrobenzene or the generation of 4-hydroxybenzoic acid from benzoic acid. The benzene to phenol system showed adequate performance as a probe upon irradiation of lake water samples and humic acids. We show that the use of nitrobenzene and benzoic acid as hydroxyl probes should be avoided because of poor selectivity. Moreover, all the tested probe molecules underwent important interference by irradiated antraquinone-2-sulphonate, and considerably overestimated the formation of the hydroxyl radicals.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Boule P, Bahnemann DW, Robertson PKJ (2005) The handbook of environmental chemistry, vol 2M (Environmental photochemistry, part II). Springer, Berlin
Brigante M, DellaGreca M, Previtera L, Rubino M, Temussi F (2005) Degradation of hydrochlorothiazide in water. Environ Chem Lett 2:195–198. doi:10.1007/s10311-004-0096-1
Canonica S, Freiburghaus M (2001) Electron-rich phenols to probe the photochemical reactivity of freshwaters. Environ Sci Technol 35:690–695. doi:10.1021/es0011360
Canonica S, Hellrung B, Müller P, Wirz J (2006) Aqueous oxidation of phenylurea herbicides by triplet aromatic ketones. Environ Sci Technol 40:6636–6641. doi:10.1021/es0611238
Fenner K, Canonica S, Escher BI, Gasser L, Spycher S, Tulp HC (2006) Developing methods to predict chemical fate and effect endpoints for use within REACH. Chimia (Aarau) 60:683–690. doi:10.2533/chimia.2006.683
Halladja S, Ter Halle A, Aguer JP, Boulkamh A, Richard C (2007) Inhibition of humic substances mediated photooxigenation of furfuryl alcohol by 2,4,6-trimethylphenol. Evidence for reactivity of the phenol with humic triplet excited states. Environ Sci Technol 41:6066–6073. doi:10.1021/es070656t
Hoigné J (1990) Formulation and calibration of environmental reaction kinetics: Oxidation by aqueous photooxidants as an example. In: Stumm W (ed) Aquatic chemical kinetics. Wiley, New York, pp 43–70
Lam MW, Mabury SA (2005) Photodegradation of the pharmaceuticals atorvastatin, carbamazepine, levofloxacin, and sulfamethoxazole in natural waters. Aquat Sci 67:177–188. doi:10.1007/s00027-004-0768-8
Lindsey EM, Tarr MA (2000) Quantitation of hydroxyl radical during Fenton oxidation following a single addition of iron and peroxide. Chemosphere 41:409–417. doi:10.1016/S0045-6535(99)00296-9
Maurino V, Borghesi D, Vione D, Minero C (2008) Transformation of phenolic compounds upon UVA irradiation of antraquinone-2-sulfonate. Photochem Photobiol Sci 7:321–327. doi:10.1039/b709331d
Minero C, Chiron S, Falletti G, Maurino V, Pelizzetti E, Ajassa R, Carlotti ME, Vione D (2007) Photochemical processes involving nitrite in surface water samples. Aquat Sci 69:71–85. doi:10.1007/s00027-007-0881-6
Rafqah S, Mailhot G, Sarakha M (2006) Highly efficient photodegradation of the pesticide metolcarb induced by Fe complexes. Environ Chem Lett 4:213–217. doi:10.1007/s10311-006-0049-y
Vialaton D, Richard C (2002) Phototransformation of aromatic pollutants in solar light: Photolysis versus photosensitized reactions under natural water conditions. Aquat Sci 64:207–215. doi:10.1007/s00027-002-8068-7
Vione D, Maurino V, Minero C, Borghesi D, Lucchiari M, Pelizzetti E (2003) New processes in the environmental chemistry of nitrite. 2. The role of hydrogen peroxide. Environ Sci Technol 37:4635–4641. doi:10.1021/es0300259
Vione D, Falletti G, Maurino V, Minero C, Pelizzetti E, Ajassa R, Olariu RI, Arsene C (2006) Sources and sinks of hydroxyl radicals upon irradiation of natural water samples. Environ Sci Technol 40:3775–3781. doi:10.1021/es052206b
Acknowledgments
Financial support from INCA Inter-University Consortium, PNRA, Progetto Antartide, and Università di Torino, Ricerca locale, is gratefully acknowledged.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Corresponding author
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Vione, D., Ponzo, M., Bagnus, D. et al. Comparison of different probe molecules for the quantification of hydroxyl radicals in aqueous solution. Environ Chem Lett 8, 95–100 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10311-008-0197-3
Received:
Accepted:
Published:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10311-008-0197-3