THE DEGRADATION OF ATRAZINE AND OTHER PESTICIDES BY PHOTOLYSIS

Groundwaters from chalk aquifers which are used as a supply for drinki ng water are often contaminated with pesticides - in particular, atraz ine. This paper discusses the use of an industrial-scale ultraviolet c hamber to reduce the concentration of atrazine in a chalk-derived wate r which is used for drinking water supply. The concentration of atrazi ne varied between 0.1 mu g/l and 0.5 mu g/l, and the raw water was spi ked when necessary. Results for other pesticide contaminants are also presented. The efficiency of atrazine removal is dependent only on the energy input and is constant, regardless of the initial concentration . Hydrogen peroxide improves the efficiency of ultraviolet irradiation but requires high doses.