| Abstract: | The conditions for the optimum yield of carbon dioxide in the mineralization of organic matter in water were tested and the relative optimum procedure was outlined. Of all substances tested the greatest difficulties were encountered with the purine bases. Their quantitative mineralization was achieved only by the highest irradiation intensities and/or prolonged irradiation. An evident relationship of mineralization and pH was found in urea and thiourea. Adsorbtion of proteins on silica and glass apparatus was suppressed by phosphoric acid, but a correction of the amount of organic carbon recovered in the blank still had to be applied in protein rich samples. |
