VUV photolysis of aqueous solutions of nitrate and nitrite

Water homolyses upon vacuum-uv excitation into HO^* radicals, hydrogen atoms and with lower efficiency, hydrated electrons. These primary species induce a series of reactions partially depleting nitrate and nitrite from aqueous solutions. Depletion rates depend on the presence of dissolved oxygen and temperature. Nitrate, nitrite, peroxynitrite and N₂O were identified as reaction products after irradiation of, either, nitrite and nitrate in aqueous solutions. A reaction mechanism is proposed in accord with the experimental facts and with the evidence given in the literature, where NO₂ ^* and NO^* are key intermediates. NO₃ ^?, NO₂ ^?, NO₂ ^*, NO^* O₂NO₂ ^?, ONO₂ ^? and N₂O, seem to be interrelated by many redox reactions and reaction equilibria where pH and the availability of electrons determine their occurrence. The proposed mechanism is supported by a computer program with which the observed experimental behavior could be simulated.