PHOTOINDUCED MINERALIZATION OF XYLIDINE BY THE FENTON REAGENT - 2 - IMPLICATIONS OF THE PRECURSORS FORMED IN THE DARK

Xylidine (2,4-dimethylaniline, XYL) mineralization via photoassisted F enton reactions was studied as a function of the solution parameters a nd the irradiation conditions. Complete mineralization was observed un der medium Hg lamp, with a significant UV, component within few minute s but this was nor the case when a solar simulator was used. A less ef ficient photodegradation of XYL in the presence of Cl- anion was obser ved as compared to sulfate or perchlorate ions. The competition for th e Cl- ions occurring in XYL solutions upon addition of Cl- ions is rep orted. During the XYL degradation, the photoactive iron complex interm ediates that formed in the dark, but not the organic intermediates, ar e responsible for XYL degradation after the initial induction period.