Spatial Distribution of Singlet Oxygen and Hydroxyl Radical in Seto Inland Sea and Their Significance Towards Pollutant Degradation

Abstract

The steady state concentrations of singlet oxygen and hydroxyl radicals in the Seto Inland Sea were measured.The steady state concentration of singlet oxygen was around 10-14 M, which was four orders of magnitude higher than the hydroxyl radical. The singlet oxygen concentration was strongly correlated with the concentration of dissolved organic matter.The rate of reaction between these active oxygen species and pesticides such as diazinon and methylmercury was analyzed and the rate of decomposition in sea water was estimated.