Electron Beam Radiolysis of 17beta-Estradiol in Aqueous Solutions

Abstract-The radiolysis of the steroid 17β-estradiol (E2), an endocrine disrupting hormone which is commonly released into aquatic environments, was investigated in aqueous solutions using electron beam. The degradation of E2 was found to follow pseudo-first-order kinetics. Experiments performed with ace toneitrile/water and ethanol/water demonstrated the role of ´OH was predominant in E2 degradation and the reductive species made minor contributions to E2 degradation. Acidic or alkaline conditions were more favorable for the removal of E2 than neutral conditions. At pH 9.1 and 4.9, the degradation value of E2 was 88.3% and 79.4% at the dose of 10 kGy, respectively, while at the same dose, at pH 6.8, a reduction of 53.4% was only achieved. Addition of appropriate amounts of H₂O₂ also facilitated the degradation of E2.