Degradation of microcystin by gamma irradiation

The radiolysis of microcystins by gamma irradiation and effects of additives were studied. The degradation value of microcystin-LR was 98.8% at the dose of 8 kGy, while all microcystin-RR could be removed at 5 kGy. Na2CO3 and H2O2 as additives could enhance the degradation efficiency of microcystins. Furthermore, the increase of Na2CO3 would result in the increase of the degradation efficiencies. However, the addition of Triton X-100, NaNO3 and NaNO2 inhibited the degradation value of microcystins. The effects of additives were more obvious when the lower doses were selected.