The environmental fate of organic pollutants such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) depends on the local environment. For example, the presence of common salts such as NaCl can greatly increase photodegradation kinetics of the PAH anthracene in aqueous solution. Reaction kinetics at NaCl concentrations relevant to surface waters can be explained by the heavy atom effect and singlet oxygen formation, but the mechanism for increased rate constants at higher NaCl concentrations relevant to aqueous aerosols remains unknown. We have investigated the contributions of light scattering, the salting out effect, and adsorption to solid NaCl crystals on anthracene photodegradation kinetics in salty aqueous solutions. We have also measured anthracene photodegradation rate constants on solid NaCl to help predict the fate of organic pollutants on effloresced aerosols.

Anthracene photodegradation kinetics in very salty environments

Where thousands of chemistry professionals meet to share ideas and advance scientific and technical knowledge. Spring 2023 abstracts, posters, and presentations will launch at the end of March.

ACS Spring 2023

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.