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 HCO 3 − and Br − ions. It was found that the introduction of S 2 O 8 2− ions (1 mM), by generating SO 4 − radicals increases the radiation yield of phenol removal. 90% removal of phenol was obtained with radiation doses 600 and 1200 Gy with and without S 2 O 8 2− ions respectively. This system induced smaller oxygen consumption with smaller concentration of catechol and hydroquinone found in the solution. HCO 3 − and Br − have an inhibiting effect in the presence as in the absence of S 2 O 8 2− . In most cases, the introduction of S 2 O 8 2− ions in water radiolysis system can advantageously increase the yield of organic compounds removal by oxidation.