RADIATION-INDUCED DEGRADATION OF WATER POLLUTANTS - STATE-OF-THE-ART

The radiation-induced decomposition of biological resistant pollutants in drinking as well as in wastewater is briefly reviewed. First, some important units, definitions etc., radiation sources, as well as dose -depth curves in water as functions of the electron energy and Co-60-g amma-rays are mentioned. Following is a schematical presentation of wa ter radiolysis and of characteristics of primary free radicals. Then t he degradation of some aliphatic and aromatic chlorinated compounds in the presence of air is presented. Some spectroscopic and kinetic data of transients resulting from chlorinated phenols are also quoted in o rder to illustrate and to explain the rather complicated degradation m echanisms. In this respect the synergistic effect of radiation and oxy gen as well as that of ozone is also discussed. Finally, a scheme for technical application of high energy elelctron beam is presented.