Gamma-ray-induced degradation of PCBs in neutral isopropanol using spent reactor fuel

Abstract

In this study we report new results concerning the γ-radiolysis of the PCB octachlorobiphenyl. The radiolytic decomposition rate of octachlorobiphenyl (8CB) in neutral isopropanol was studied as a function of dose using spent nuclear fuel as a γ-ray source. The G-values measured were small (approx. 0.01 μmol J −1), however the easy access to very high γ-ray doses and dose rates has allowed for the investigation of a process not constrained to deaerated, alkaline conditions. The G-value was suppressed by the addition of a solvated electron and solvent radical scavenger, but not by the addition of hydrogen atom and hydroxyl radical scavengers, suggesting that in neutral alcoholic solvent the solvated electron and possibly solvent radicals are the primary species responsible for PCB decomposition.