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Practical improvements for redox potential (EH) measurements and the application of a multiple-electrode redox probe (MERP) for characterizing sediment in situ

journal contribution
posted on 2023-05-20, 00:37 authored by Teasdale, PR, Minett, AI, Dixon, K, Trevor LewisTrevor Lewis, Batley, GE
Redox potential (E H) measurements can provide qualitative information about sediment processes and conditions. However, there are problems associated with the measurement and interpretation of E H values. The measurement dif®culties can be partly addressed by ensuring that suitable indicator electrodes are properly cleaned and tested before use. We compared the performance of platinum and glassy carbon indicator electrodes, and concluded that the former are preferred for application to natural waters and sediment. However, glassy carbon electrodes may be more suitable for measuring redox potentials involving organic species. The most effective way to clean platinum electrodes was to use abrasive polishing routinely and concentrated nitric acid to overcome long term fouling. A 1:100 dilution of ZoBell's solution (while maintaining the original electrolyte strength) was found to be a sensitive test solution for determining the condition of indicator electrodes. While limitations to the interpretation of E H will remain for most natural systems, we have demonstrated various ways in which useful information could be obtained from redox potential measurements in sediment using a multiple-electrode redox probe (MERP). These examples included general characterisation of the redox conditions of sediment from a vertical redox profile, highlighting zones of varying redox processes within a profile, and obtaining evidence of temporal changes in redox conditions that arise in estuarine sediment during tidal cycles.

History

Publication title

Analytica Chimica Acta

Volume

367

Issue

1-3

Pagination

201-213

ISSN

0003-2670

Department/School

School of Natural Sciences

Publisher

Elsevier Science Bv

Place of publication

Po Box 211, Amsterdam, Netherlands, 1000 Ae

Repository Status

  • Restricted

Socio-economic Objectives

Other environmental management not elsewhere classified

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