Mineralization of aqueous phenolate solutions: A combination of irradiation treatment and wet oxidation

Wet oxidation (high-temperature, high-pressure oxidation of organic wastes in aqueous solution) and radiation technology were combined in γ-ray and electron beam induced oxidation of 4×10−4–1×10−2 mol dm−3 Na-phenolate solutions in a wide O2 concentration (1–20 bar pressure) and absorbed dose (0–50 kGy) range. Most experiments were made in stainless steel high pressure autoclave equipped with magnetic stirrer. The rate of oxidation was followed by chemical oxygen demand and total organic carbon content measurements. The rate was similar in γ-ray and pulsed electron beam irradiation and increased with O2 concentration in the liquid.

► The oxidation rate in phenolate solution was followed by COD and TOC measurements. ► The rate was similar in low dose rate γ- and high dose rate EB irradiation. ► The oxidation rate increased with dissolved O2 concentration. ► The one electron oxidant OH induces 7–9 electron oxidations in O2 saturated solution.