Degradation of some pesticides in aqueous solutions by electron beam and gamma-radiation

Decomposition by ionizing radiations of two pesticides (Lannate and Fenvale rate) present in an aqueous solution has been studied on laboratory-scale e xperiments. The effect of pH of the solution, the concentration of the pest icide and the irradiation dose on the degradation process was investigated. Gamma-irradiation was carried out in air and in combination with nitrogen, oxygen and ozone. Lannate showed more degradation than Fenvalerate in all conditions investigated. Radiation was not enough to achieve the complete d ecomposition of the pesticides. Adsorption of the pollutants after irradiat ion was achieved using granular activated carbon (GAC) and two anion exchan gers (Dowex 1-X8 and Lewatit AP 246).