Method to simultaneously improve PCB radiolysis rates in transformer oil and to close the chlorine mass balance

The addition of alkaline 2-propanol to isooctane and transformer oil soluti ons of PCBs was found to increase the rate of PCB dechlorination by gamma-r adiolysis. Simultaneously, it facilitates the closure of the chlorine mass balance. The chlorine liberated from PCBs irradiated in alkaline 2-propanol -spiked solutions precipitated as an inorganic salt in a stoichiometric amo unt. This was demonstrated for an individual PCB congener (PCB 155) in isoo ctane and for Aroclor 1260 in transformer oil. Radiolysis rates are reporte d in terms of dose constants, d (kGy(-1)), the exponential rate constant fo r PCB decomposition with respect to absorbed dose. These are the highest de composition rates yet reported for the radiolytic treatment of PCB-contamin ated transformer oil.