Method to simultaneously improve PCB radiolysis rates in transformer oil and to close the chlorine mass balance

The addition of alkaline 2-propanol to isooctane and transformer oil solutions of PCBs was found to increase the rate of PCB dechlorination by gamma-radiolysis. Simultaneously, it facilitates the closure of the chlorine mass balance. The chlorine liberated from PCBs irradiated in alkaline 2-propanol-spiked solutions precipitated as an inorganic salt in a stoichiometric amount. This was demonstrated for an individual PCB congener (PCB 155) in isooctane and for Aroclor 1260 in transformer oil. Radiolysis rates are reported in terms of dose constants, d (kGy(-1)), the exponential rate constant for PCB decomposition with respect to absorbed dose. These are the highest decomposition rates yet reported for the radiolytic treatment of PCB-contaminated transformer oil.