Theoretical study of dose and dose rate effect on trichloroethylene (HClC=CCl2) decomposition in dry and humid air under electron beam irradiation

Experimental data related to C2HCl3 (TCE) removal in dry and humid (200-1000 ppm of H2O) air, respectively, in ambient conditions under electron beam irradiation in the dose range of 1-40 kGy has been published in the literature. Based on the experimental results a theoretical model of C2HCl3 decomposition was proposed for the kinetic mechanism of such process. The active radicals of Cl, O and OH play an important role in the decomposition of TCE. According to the calculations performed, the Cl- dissociative electron attachment predominates in the initial stage of C2HCl3 decomposition. Cl radical accelerates this degradation by chain process in both humid and dry air, respectively. The OH radical produced in humid air also enhances the decomposition process of TCE.