[en] The interaction of water and organic compounds by γ radiation leads to radiolysis effect. Three main results are obtained from the nonbiodegradable alkyl benzene sulfonate (ABS) irradiated with γ ray. Firstly, about 27.6% of ABS is destroyed at dosage of 1.9 x 10⁴ rad and ABS is almost completely destroyed at 1.2 x 10⁶ rad. Maximum decomposition of ABS occurs at pH = 6. Secondly, some low molecular weight compounds formed in ABS by radiation are volatilized and high molecular weight compounds formed in ABS are gels. At a dosage of 10⁴ rad the weight percentage reduction of carbon, hydrogen, and sulfur in ABS reads 2.68, 1.15, and 3.15 respectively, while at 10⁸ rad the same reduction reads 20.6, 18.5, and 22.0. Reduction of BOD in the waste water occurs at high dose. Thirdly, in biodegradation it is found that the bacteria propagation depends on the total radiation dose; the excess radiation dose produces macropolymers which may be more resistant to biodegradation than the parent. 8 references, 20 figures, 4 tables