The oxidation state diagram — a potential tool for studying redox chemistry in seawater

With minor modifications, the oxidation state diagram may be used to study the redox chemistry of elements in marine waters. In addition to indicating the most stable oxidation state of an element, the diagram also shows the possible existence of metastable species. Oxidation state diagrams of the nitrogen and the manganese systems are presented. The inferences drawn from these diagrams are consistent with our present understanding of the marine geochemistry of these elements.