Role of reactive intermediates in the radiolytic degradation of Acid Red 1 in aqueous solution

The role of reactive intermediates of water radiolysis (eaq−, H, HO, O2−/HO2) in decoloration and mineralization of aqueous solutions of Acid Red 1 dye was investigated. The decoloration is highly effective in the reactions of eaq− and H, and less effective in HO reactions. The O2−/HO2 pair does not take part in decoloration. For mineralization, which is an oxidative degradation, HO radicals are needed: the efficiency increases with the dissolved oxygen concentration. The reactions of the O2−/HO2 radical pair slightly increase the rate of mineralization. Iron and copper ions (possible constituents of waste waters) in low concentration do not influence the reactions.