Advanced oxidation processes in flow analysis.

Abstract

Analytical flow systems exploiting advanced oxidation processes (AOP) will be designed for in-line sample preparation. The in situ radical generation will be accomplished through the activation of classical oxidants (potassium peroxymonosulfate and potassium persulfate) with transition metals (Co, Ag and Mn). AOP's may or may not involve UV irradiation, depending on the performance evaluation, estimated in terms of the efficiency of organic matter decomposition. The feasibility of using materials with high oxidation potential such as electrolytically generated unstable ions will also be evaluated.As applications, analytical procedures for in-line sample preparation aiming at the spectrophotometric determinations of total phosphorus (as phosphate, phosphite and organic phosphorus) in foliar liquid fertilizers and in natural waters will be developed.The is multidisciplinary, as it includes relevant aspects from Analytical Chemistry, Environmental Chemistry, Instrumentation and Agronomy. It is innovative, as it deals with in-line sample preparation exploiting POA's in flow analysis and with the development of a novel methodology for the sequential determination of P-PO43- and P-PO33- in foliar fertilizers. Moreover, one expects that in line highly oxidizing radicals production provides the total or partial organic matter digestion for subsequent analytical determination.