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This work evaluates the degradation of benzoic acid, a tracer from biomass burning, by different oxidation agents (Fe (III); H2O2; sunlight; and combinations of the previous ones) in model solutions and in real atmospheric waters. The extent of reactions was assessed by Ultraviolet–Visible and molecular fluorescence spectroscopies. The oxidation of benzoic acid occurred with the chemical oxidants Fe (III), H2O2, Fe (III) and H2O2 simultaneously in the presence of sunlight, and with Fe (III) and H2O2 simultaneously in the absence of light. The decrease of the pH value from neutral to acid for atmospheric waters generally increased the extent of oxidation. Sunlight was an important oxidation agent, and its combination with chemical oxidants increased the oxidation rate of benzoic acid, possibly due to the photogeneration of hydroxyl radicals. The results also suggested the occurrence of direct and indirect photolysis of benzoic acid in atmospheric waters. Moreover, the oxidation of benzoic acid produced new and more complex chromophoric compounds, which were then degraded. In addition, the nocturnal period is not sufficient for the full degradation of benzoic acid and of the intermediates formed by Fenton-like oxidation. The diurnal period may be enough for their full degradation through photo-Fenton-like oxidation, but this depends on the composition of the atmospheric waters, namely of the chromophoric content. Thus, this study highlights that benzoic acid from biomass burning, and its derivatives, may persist in atmospheric waters for periods of longer than one day, becoming available for other reactions, and may also affect the terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems through the wet depositions.
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•Sunlight contributes to the oxidation of benzoic acid in atmospheric waters.•The combination of sunlight with Fe (III) and H2O2 accelerates the oxidation.•The hydroxyl radicals may be generated photo and/or chemically in atmospheric waters.•Direct and indirect photolysis of benzoic acid may occur in atmospheric waters.•Benzoic acid total oxidation within 24 h depends of atmospheric water composition.
Benzoic acid from biomass burning may persist in atmospheric waters for periods of longer than one day, and may affect the terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems.