PHOTOCHEMICAL OXIDATION OF PROTOCATECHUIC ACID

Protocatechuic acid oxidation by ultraviolet radiation is investigated. Experiments were carried out modifying the variables temperature, pH and initial concentration of the organic pollutant. The power emitted by the radiation source was measured by uranyloxalate actinometry, obtaining a value of 2.03 x 10(-6) E/s. In order to describe the radiant energy field and to evaluate the radiation flow rate absorbed, the Line Source Spherical Emission Model is used. This model, with a simple mechanism of three steps proposed for the photodecomposition reaction, provides the determination of the quantum yields. They are well correlated by an expression which takes into account the influence of the temperature and pH on them.