Radiolytic degradation of 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid in dilute aqueous solution: pH dependence

The reactions of hydroxyl radical and hydrated electron intermediates of water radiolysis were studied in the radiolytic degradation of 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) at pH values of 4, 6 and 8. The hydrated electron reactions are also suggested to contribute to the aromatic ring decomposition in addition to the highly effective hydroxyl radical reactions. The experimental results suggest also some contribution from the O (2) (-aEuro cent) /HO (2) (aEuro cent) pair to the degradation. The degradation efficiency was found to be the highest at pH 8 and the lowest at pH 6.