Oxidizing pretreatment of low rank coals can enhance their water solub
ility. Oxidizing species ((OH)-O-., HO2., O-2(.-), H2O2) deriving from
the radiolysis of water are also important agents in the decompositio
n of coal. Radiation treatment of aqueous slurry of lignite and sub-bi
tuminous coal in the dose range of 25-100 kGy increases the absorption
of the aqueous phase in the interval of 250-420 nm, showing a maximum
at 260 nm. Increased solubility of coal is due to the oxidation of or
ganic material and reduction in the degree of polymerization. Conversi
on of coal to low molecular weight fuels requires a multistep physical
, chemical and biological treatment. Radiation as a physical pretreatm
ent offers an alternative application for coal degradation. (C) 1997 E
lsevier Science B.V.