| Abstract: | The thermodynamics and kinetics of the H2S system in natural waters have been critically reviewed. Equations have been derived for the solubility and ionization of H2S in water and seawater as a function of salinity, temperature and pressure. Pitzer parameters for the interaction of the major cations (Na+, Mg2+ and Ca2+) with HS− have been determined to allow one to calculate values of pK1* in various ionic media. The limited data available for the interaction of trace metals for HS− are summarized and future work is suggested.The kinetics of oxidation of H2S have also been examined as a function of pH, temperature, and salinity. The discrepancies in the available data are largely due to the different O2]/HS−] ratios used in various studies. Over a limited pH range (6–8) the pseudo first order rate constant for the oxidation is shown to be directly proportional to the activity of HS−. Further studies are suggested to examine the effect of ionic media and temperature on the rate of oxidation. |
