Premium
A Polarographic Method of Measuring Dissolved Oxygen in Saturated Soil
Author(s) -
Evans D. D.,
Scott A. D.
Publication year - 1955
Publication title -
soil science society of america journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.836
H-Index - 168
eISSN - 1435-0661
pISSN - 0361-5995
DOI - 10.2136/sssaj1955.03615995001900010003x
Subject(s) - saturated calomel electrode , polarography , dropping mercury electrode , mercury (programming language) , chemistry , limiting , electrolyte , electrode , soil water , soil science , analytical chemistry (journal) , environmental chemistry , environmental science , reference electrode , inorganic chemistry , electrochemistry , mechanical engineering , computer science , engineering , programming language
A laboratory technique is described which allows the continuous measurement of dissolved oxygen in saturated soil. The soil is flooded in a specially designed glass cylinder. A dropping mercury electrode is placed in contact with the soil solution of the saturated soil. The electrode is located so that the drops of mercury fall through the soil solution into a reservoir without coming in contact with the soil. A polarograph is used in conjunction with this dropping mercury electrode and a saturated calomel electrode to measure the dissolved oxygen content of the soil solution. Consideration is given to such factors as the interference of other constituents in the soil solution, the need of a maximum suppressor and the suitability of the soil solution as a supporting electrolyte. The limiting current at an applied voltage of 0.6 volts is shown to be a linear function of the dissolved oxygen in the soil solution. A time lag, which may exist in the method, is discussed and a limiting case is evaluated.