Radiolytic degradation of herbicide 4-chloro-2-methyl phenoxyacetic acid (MCPA) by gamma-radiation for environmental protection

Ecotoxicol Environ Saf. 2006 Oct;65(2):265-77. doi: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2005.07.015. Epub 2005 Oct 5.

Abstract

Reversed-phase HPLC determination of the herbicide MCPA and its products of radiolytic degradation has been optimized. The radiolytic degradation was carried out using gamma-irradiation and was optimized in terms of irradiation dose and pH of irradiated MCPA solution. Decomposition of 100 ppm MCPA in pure solutions required irradiation with a 3 kGy dose. The main products of irradiation in the dose range up to 10-kGy were various phenolic compounds and carboxylic acids. The developed method was applied for treatment of industrial waste from production of MCPA. The 10-kGy dose was needed for decomposition of 500 ppm of MCPA in the industrial waste samples; however, the presence of stoichiometric amount of hydrogen peroxide in the irradiated waste allowed a 50% reduction of the gamma-irradiation dose. Despite complete decomposition of MCPA in the industrial waste, in order to reduce the toxicity of irradiated waste, measured by the Microtox bioluminescence test, higher than a 10 kGy irradiation dose was needed.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • 2-Methyl-4-chlorophenoxyacetic Acid / analysis
  • 2-Methyl-4-chlorophenoxyacetic Acid / radiation effects*
  • Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid
  • Gamma Rays*
  • Herbicides / analysis
  • Herbicides / radiation effects*
  • Hydrogen Peroxide / chemistry
  • Hydrogen-Ion Concentration
  • Industrial Waste / analysis*
  • Radiation Dosage
  • Solutions
  • Waste Disposal, Fluid / methods*

Substances

  • Herbicides
  • Industrial Waste
  • Solutions
  • Hydrogen Peroxide
  • 2-Methyl-4-chlorophenoxyacetic Acid