Removal of known insecticide Heptachlor (HPTC) in methanol solution by γ-rays under varied experimental conditions has been optimized. Air saturated solution of HPTC was irradiated at γ-rays dose from 1 to 10 kGys. The extent of radiolytic degradation was monitored by reversed phase high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) coupled with UV detector. At dose of 10 kGys ≥ 98 % of HPTC was degraded. The degradation of HPTC occurs by CH3O• and •CH2OH radicals generated by methanol radiolysis. It is concluded that γ-rays can remove Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) form environmental matrices. It can decrease the harmful properties of these POPs by their transformation into less resistant fragments to biological / natural elimination in the aquatic atmosphere.
Muhammad Riaz and Shahid Bilal Butt
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