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Sensitized photolysis of polychlorobiphenyls in alkaline 2-propanol: Dechlorination of Aroclor 1254 in soil samples by solar radiation

Journal Article · · Environmental Science and Technology; (United States)
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1021/es00034a022· OSTI ID:6716538
; ;  [1]
  1. Biotechnology Research Institute, Montreal, Quebec (Canada)
Photodechlorination of Aroclor 1254 (1000 mg/L) in an alkaline 2-propanol solution at [lambda] = 254 nm proceeded with a high quantum yield ([Phi] = 35.0) as determined by Cl[sup [minus]] release. The Aroclor was completely dechlorinated in 30 min and gave predominantly biphenyl (BP). After 20 h of solar irradiation, only partial dechlorination (25%) was observed, and no BP was formed. In the presence of phenothiazine (PT) sensitizer (5 mM) Aroclor was completely dechlorinated to BP in 1 h at 350 nm ([Phi] = 2.33) and in 4 h by exposure to sunlight. Under the same conditions, Aroclor 1254 extracts of contaminated soil (730 mg/L) were dechlorinated in 2 h at 350 nm ([Phi] = 0.28) and in 20 h on exposure to sunlight. The photoreaction was completely quenched by oxygen and nitrobenzene (0.1 M). Moreover, Aroclor was thermally (ca. 80 [degrees]C) dechlorinated to BP using di-tert-butyl peroxide. A free-radical chain reaction was suggested in which the aryl radical anion, Ar[sup [sm bullet][minus]]-Cl, was a key intermediate in the dechlorination process. 30 refs., 2 figs., 2 tabs.
OSTI ID:
6716538
Journal Information:
Environmental Science and Technology; (United States), Journal Name: Environmental Science and Technology; (United States) Vol. 26:10; ISSN ESTHAG; ISSN 0013-936X
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English