Oxidation in Sea Water

Extract

1. Putrefaction in sea-water sets free compounds toxic to Calanus. A portion of these compounds withstands oxidation to non-toxic forms in air saturated water for considerable periods.

2. “Deep water” from the English Channel contains a catalyst, probably an iron compound, which increases the rate of oxidation of a number of easily oxidisable organic compounds. Its action is inhibited in surface and inshore waters by dissolved organic matter.

3. Hydrogen peroxide decomposes relatively quickly in “deep water” from the English Channel, at a velocity corresponding to that of a monomolecular reaction. A catalyst, probably an iron compound, active towards hydrogen peroxide, occurs in sea-water. The action of the catalyst is inhibited by dissolved organic substances in surface and inshore water, until such substances are oxidised by the hydrogen peroxide.