Direct Photolysis: Light Absorption and Rate Determination

This lecture covers the principles of direct and indirect photolysis, focusing on the factors influencing the rates of light absorption by organic compounds in water bodies. It explains the importance of the solar spectrum, light energy, and the Beer-Lambert law in determining the specific rate of light absorption. The lecture also discusses the quantum yield, deactivation processes, and the calculation of the direct photolysis rate. Practical exercises are provided to estimate the quantum yield and photolysis half-life of organic pollutants, emphasizing the application of theoretical concepts in environmental chemistry.