Degradation of monuron in aqueous solution by ionizing radiation

In this study ionizing radiation induced degradation of monuron was investigated by γradiolysis. γ-radiolysis is one of the Advanced Oxidation processes (AOPs) which is very effective method for the degradation of organic water pollutants. The end-products and transient intermediates were studied in order to describe the degradation mechanism. The main reaction is OH● addition to the aromatic ring forming hydroxyl-cyclohexadienyl type radicals. In addition to this radical, aminyl and phenoxyl radicals have also some contribution to the degradation. Monuron as a halogenated compound is sensitive to the hydrated electron attack. Due to the oxidation, chemical oxygen demand and total organic carbon content decreases during irradiatin treatment. The efficiency of oxidation is high compared to other aromatics. Both, OH● and eaq take part in the dehalogenation reactions