Arsenite oxidation by H2O2 in aqueous solutions

The rates of oxidation of arsenic(III) by hydrogen peroxide and sodium chloride solutions were measured as a function of pH, temperature and ionic strength. The rate expressions derived were valid also for sodium perclorate solutions, northern Adriatic sea waters and Tiber river waters. The cations ion and copper also exerted a catalytic effect, such that the amounts of copper in polluted aquatic media (more than 0.1 umol per litre) would have a noticeable effect, while iron was important at levels characteristic of lacustrine environments (5-10 umol per litre). The possible impact of these reactions in restricting the accumulation of arsenic(III) in natural waters is considered. There are 55 references.