GAMMA-RAY-INDUCED DEGRADATION OF PCBS IN NEUTRAL ISOPROPANOL USING SPENT REACTOR-FUEL

In this study we report new results concerning the gamma-radiolysis of the PCB octachlorobiphenyl. The radiolytic decomposition rate of octa chlorobiphenyl (8CB) in neutral isopropanol was studied as a function of dose using spent nuclear fuel as a gamma-ray source. The G-values m easured were small (approx. 0.01 mumol J-1), however the easy access t o very high gamma-ray doses and dose rates has allowed for the investi gation of a process not constrained to deaerated, alkaline conditions. The G-value was suppressed by the addition of a solvated electron and solvent radical scavenger, but not by the addition of hydrogen atom a nd hydroxyl radical scavengers, suggesting that in neutral alcoholic s olvent the solvated electron and possibly solvent radicals are the pri mary species responsible for PCB decomposition.