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The Iodide/Iodȧte System in Seawater as a Possible Measure of Redox Potential

Nature Physical Science volume 242, pages 108–109 (1973)Cite this article

Abstract

The redox potentials of aerated seawaters do not appear to be governed by the oxygen/water couple which would yield for a pH of 8.0 at 25° C an equilibrium Eh of 0.75 V (pE=12.5). Garrels and Christ1 prefer a value closer to 0.22 V (pE=3.7) from measurements with platinum electrodes on systems exposed to air. Breck2 suggests that the Eh is controlled by an oxygen/peroxide couple as a result of measurements he made with a novel cell in which small amounts of various redox pairs are equilibrated with seawater and the resultant potential measured. His results indicate an Eh of about 0.5 V, as compared with values of 0.4 V he obtained with platinum electrodes.

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References

  1. Garrels, R. M., & Christ, C. L., Solutions, Minerals and Equilibria, 136 (Harper and Row, New York, 1965).

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  2. Breck, W. G., J. Mar. Res., 30, 121 (1972).

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  3. Armstrong, F. A. J., Williams, P. M., & Strickland, J. D. H., Nature, 211, 481 (1966).

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  4. Barkley, R. A., & Thompson, T. G., Deep-Sea Res., 7, 24 (1960).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Scripps Institution of Oceanography, University of California at San Diego, La Jolla, 92037

    P. S. LISS, J. R. HERRING & E. D. GOLDBERG

  2. School of Environmental Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich, NOR, 88C

    P. S. LISS

Authors
  1. P. S. LISS
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  2. J. R. HERRING
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  3. E. D. GOLDBERG
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LISS, P., HERRING, J. & GOLDBERG, E. The Iodide/Iodȧte System in Seawater as a Possible Measure of Redox Potential. Nature Physical Science 242, 108–109 (1973). https://doi.org/10.1038/physci242108a0

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