Determination of oxalate by continuons analysis using photochemical oxidation by iron(III) and a CO2 electrode detector
Oxalate concentrations were measured by photochemical oxidation with iron(III) to carbon dioxide. Technicon AutoAnalyzer components were used to automate the sampling and mixing steps, and the carbon dioxide produced in the radiation step was measured with a CO2 electrode. Variables in the System were evaluated and the optimum conditions identified. A theoretical study was made of the effect on ionic species concentrations of variations in iron(III), acid, and counter ion concentrations. A linear calibration curve could be obtained for oxalate concentrations in the range of 2 × 10−4 to 0.02 M; by modifying conditions linearity could be achieved at both higher and lower concentration ranges. Several other acids are partially oxidized under optimum conditions for oxalate. Tartrate, citrate, and malonate introduce errors of 2% or less at concentrations equivalent to oxalate; malate and pyruvate cause errors on the order of 10%. Several small carboxylic acids were found to interfere with the CO2 electrode.