PHOTOCATALYTIC DEGRADATION OF LINDANE IN AQUEOUS-SOLUTION

Photolysis of lindane in aqueous solution, using near-visible and UV l ight (lambda > 320 nm) and in the presence of the polyoxometallate PW1 2O403-, results in its conversion to CO2 and HCl. Initial photodecompo sition takes place within a few minutes both in the presence and absen ce of dioxygen. The effective mineralization in the absence of dioxyge n suggests that OH radicals act as the primary oxidant in this case.