A kinetic study of the oxidation of S(IV) in seawater.

Flue gas desulfurization by means of SO2 absorption in seawater is a well-known process. However, it can be optimized if the oxidation kinetics of dissolved S(IV) is known. Laboratory reactor experiments in which the pH and temperature were controlled, determined the oxidation kinetics of S(IV) in seawater. This study conclusively shows that the order with respect to S(IV) is one and that the order with respect to oxygen is zero. The kinetic constant depends greatly on the temperature and on the pH; consequently, the activation energy and a relationship between the kinetic constant and the hydrogen proton concentration (2 < pH < 6) were also obtained.