Effects of co-contaminants on photodegradation of octachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (OCDD)

Abstract Studies were undertaken to determine the effects of co-contaminants on the photodegradation of OCDD. OCDD in selected solvents was irradiated with a UV source or sunlight in the absence and presence of other contaminants. Co-contaminants were added to the OCDD solution in varied concentrations. Irradiated solutions were analyzed for the residual OCDD, co-contaminants and photoproducts. The results obtained from the studies showed that photodegradation of OCDD was impeded by UV absorbing co-contaminants. The decrease in OCDD photodegradation was dependent on the concentration and molar absorbance of the co-contaminants. The presence of contaminants, however, did not lead to a significant change in the nature of the photoproducts.