Fighting Arsenic
Electrochemical Oxidation
At rock-water interfaces
The project idea: The electrical conductivity of igneous rocks is uniquely controlled by defect electrons on the oxygen anion sub lattice of rock-forming minerals, also known as positive holes. When positive holes cross the rock-water interface, they stoichiometrically oxidize H2O to H2O2 (hydrogen peroxide).
This project is designed to test other oxidation reactions at the rock-water interface including the oxidation of solute aromatics and inorganic salts.
The project will involve setting up an electrochemical cell where the anode consists of a slab of rock, while the cathode consists of either a Cu or a Pt electrode. The electrical potential will be applied by means of a variable voltage source. However, the question of concomitant oxidation is something that would require to study further resolving two projects aspects (i) to look at the oxidation or partial oxidation of organics, monitored by fluorescence spectroscopy, and (ii) to test whether we could oxidize As-III to As-V compounds. As-III is soluble, while As-V would easily precipitate. (iii). If the gathered idea can be implemented in arsenic affected countries like Bangladesh.
Dr. Friedemann Fruend and Nomana Intekhab Hadi has been working on a project entitled 'Preformed Complex Organic Molecules from the Matrix of Magnetic Minerals' in Earth Science Division, Code SGE Exobiology Grant # NNX10AR81G where their project is titled 'Electrochemical Oxidation Reactions at Rock-Water Interfaces.'
Dr. Friedemann Freund (Senior Scientist) & Nomana Intekhab Hadi (Research Associate) NASA Ames Research Center, Earth Science Div., Code SGE. M/S 245-4 Moffett Field, CA 94035
-Affiliated with the SETI Institute
For all latest news, follow The Daily Star's Google News channel.
Comments