A method for the definition of the carbon oxidation number in the gases dissolved in waters and the redox variations using an elemental analyser (FlashEA 1112). Preliminary data from a stratified lake

Obtaining meaningful redox potential determinations is questionable in disequilibrium solutions, like surface waters and groundwater. However, identifying redox processes in a natural ecosystem is a key factor to characterize the chemical quality and, consequently, the sustainability of that environment. To do that, the determination of an exact redox potential is not needed and on many cases it is more important to describe how and if the redox state of a system changes. In particular, the redox status of aqueous systems is assigned based on analysis of samples for redox-sensitive compounds. In general, these analyses do not include measurements of gases dissolved in the waters.