Influence of persulfate ions on the removal of phenol in aqueous solution using electron beam irradiation

The removal of phenol (Co = 100 μM) during electron beam irradiation was studied in pure water and in the presence of HCO3- and Br- ions. It was found that the introduction of S2O82- ions (1 mM), by generating SO4-· radicals increases the radiation yield of phenol removal. 90% removal of phenol was obtained with radiation doses 600 and 1200 Gy with and without S2O82- ions respectively. This system induced smaller oxygen consumption with smaller concentration of catechol and hydroquinone found in the solution. HCO3- and Br- have an inhibiting effect in the presence as in the absence of S2O82-. In most cases, the introduction of S2O82- ions in water radiolysis system can advantageously increase the yield of organic compounds removal by oxidation.