1. In addition to dissolved oxygen (O2), what other chemical substances or speci

Question

1. In addition to dissolved oxygen (O2), what other chemical substances or species in natural waters are capable of oxidizing dissolved organic matter (CH2O)? In addition to the reactants, what else is necessary for all of these redox reactions?

2. Write the two half cell reactions in aerobic biodegradation. What is the standard half cell potential (E°) for each half reaction?

3. Calculate G° and E°cell of the aerobic biodegradation reaction.

4. Calculate G and Ecell of the reaction when PO2 = 0.21 atm, PCO2 = 390 ppm (390×10-6 atm) , [H+] = 1.0×10-7 M, and [CH2O] = 0.0010 M.

5. Is the water pH important to this reaction? Why or why not?

Explanation / Answer

(1) In addition to dissolved oxygen, certain aerobic bacteria absorb atmospheric oxygen and are capable of oxidizing dissolved organic matter in natural waters.

For example: methylotropic bacteria are capable of oxidizing formaldehyde (CH2O) and convert it to CO2.

In addition to reactants, certain specific cofactors such as tetrahydrofolate, mycothiol etc. are necessary to these redox reactions.

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