Gamma irradiation-induced removal of low-concentration nitrite in aqueous solution

In the removal of low-concentration nitrite in aqueous solution using gamma irradiation, the absorbed dose, initial concentration and solution pH were important factors. Nitrite with low concentration decomposes most effectively in acidic solution. The additives, such as nitrogen and sodium carbonate, were favorable for removing nitrite by gamma irradiation. On the contrary, nitrite removal was restrained when the solution contained oxygen, indicating that the reduction of nitrite by H-center dot and e(aq)(-) played a crucial role in the removal. A kinetic analysis was carried out and the products formed during nitrite removal were determined. (C) 2007 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.