Photodegradation of Aroclor 1254 using simulated sunlight and various sensitizers

Journal Article · Mon Apr 01 04:00:00 EST 1996 · Bulletin of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1007/s001289900081· OSTI ID:241240

Lin, Y; Gupta, G ^[1]; Baker, J ^[2]

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1. Univ. of Maryland Eastern Shore, Princess Anne, MD (United States)
2. Univ. of Maryland, Solomons, MD (United States)

Incineration is the most widely used method for the disposal of PCBs, but combustion often leads to the formation of more toxic oxygenated derivatives such as dioxins and polychlorinated benzofurans. Sunlight can be a good energy source for the photodegradation of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in the present of photosensitizers. Because most PCB congeners do not strongly absorb wavelength above 300 nm, sensitizers are used in the transfer of light energy to the PCB molecule. Many investigations have focussed on the use of high energy, low wavelength (254-300 nm) radiation for the destruction of PCBs. In the presence of electron donors amines can greatly enhance the overall quantum yields of certain chlorinated aromatic compounds such as hexachlorobenzene. Titanium dioxide has been shown to effectively photocatalyze the reduction of chlorinated organics. Dyes can be used to absorb visible light and then transfer an electron to carry out a desired photodegradation reaction. Sworzyn and Ackerman reported that the photodegradation of PCBs at a wavelength greater than 290 nm is possible on the industrial scale in terms of its cost and effectiveness. This research studied the effect of various sensitizers on the photodegradation of Arochlor 1254 using simulated sunlight. 17 refs., 1 fig.

• OSTI ID: 241240
• Journal Information: Bulletin of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology, Journal Name: Bulletin of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology Journal Issue: 4 Vol. 56; ISSN 0007-4861; ISSN BECTA6
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
DECOMPOSITION
PHOTOLYSIS
POLLUTION CONTROL
POLYCHLORINATED BIPHENYLS
SENSITIZERS