Photo induced dissociation of ferri and ferro cyanide in hydroponic solutions

The potential for photo-induced dissociation of ferri- and ferro-cyanide was investigated. The overall reactions followed first order kinetics, judged by the free cyanide analyzed in aqueous solution. The dissociation rates for ferri- and ferro-cyanide were mathematically described by the equations: C_(CN,t)= C_(CN,0)e^1.3t and C_(CN,t)= C_(CN,0)e^0.39t, respectively. In addition, photo-induced dissociation of both iron cyanides was enhanced under an alkaline environment than a neutral condition. Results from the temperature-dependent tests indicated that the dissociation rate of ferricyanide was significantly higher than that of ferro-cyanide at all treatment temperatures. The kinetic parameter, activation energy (E_a) was also experimentally determined to be 12.02 and 12.32 kJ/mol for ferri- and ferro-cyanide, respectively. The results obtained suggest that both iron cyanides are susceptible to photo-dissociation and the rates are positively correlated to the change of temperatures. The information collectively also has important implications for waste management of iron cyanides as well as for risk assessment in a field trial.