Formation of free metal ions in aqueous solution by oxidation under the influence of UV light and possibly an oxidizing agent (e.g. hydrogen peroxide or peroxodisulfate) in order to break down dissolved organic matter and metal complexes.
Note: Typical samples are sea water, waste water, drinking water, or fresh water.
Source:
PAC, 2016, 88, 517. 'Glossary of terms used in extraction (IUPAC Recommendations 2016)' on page 541 (https://doi.org/10.1515/pac-2015-0903)