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Characterization of the reducing properties of anaerobic sediment slurries using redox indicators
Author(s) -
Tratnyek Paul G.,
Lee Wolfe N.
Publication year - 1990
Publication title -
environmental toxicology and chemistry
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.1
H-Index - 171
eISSN - 1552-8618
pISSN - 0730-7268
DOI - 10.1002/etc.5620090305
Subject(s) - sediment , slurry , redox , reducing agent , chemistry , environmental chemistry , anaerobic exercise , moiety , reduction potential , inorganic chemistry , environmental science , organic chemistry , environmental engineering , geology , biology , physiology , paleontology
Abstract The reduction of six redox indicators in anaerobic sediment slurries was studied by observing the disappearance of the color of the oxidized forms. The reaction kinetics were first‐order in concentration of the oxidized form of the indicator and the reducing agents were sediment associated. The rate of indicator reduction reflects the standard potential of the indicator couple, the structure of the indicator moiety reduced and the potential and capacity of reducing agents in the sediment slurry. The relative reduction rates of the indicators suggest that anaerobic sediment systems contain concentrations of mild reducing agents that are available to react rapidly with substrates that are easily reduced. However, more refractory substrates require strong reducing agents that are gradually produced, probably as a result of microbial metabolism.