Physical Sciences and Mathematics Commons^™

Determination Of Hydroxyl Radical Production Rates In Natural Waters Using The Fluorometric Reagent P-Hydroxyphenylacetic Acid, Jason D. Hosmer

Honors Theses

A means of determining hydroxyl radical production rates in natural waters through the formation of a directly detectable fluorescent product has been developed. A method similar to the enzyme mediated oxidation of phydroxyphenylacetic acid by hydrogen peroxide is used (Miller and Kester, 1988). Due to the high reactivity of hydroxyl radicals, and subsequently low steady state concentrations, direct detection is very difficult. In the past detection was achieved through the introduction of a probe, usually a substituted aromatic or alcohol, that decays away at an observable rate upon reaction with hydroxyl radicals. Detection limits and accuracy of such difference based …