GAMMA RADIOLYSIS OF METHYLENE BLUE IN AQUEOUS SOLUTIONS

The γ-radiolysis of methylene blue dye was investigated as a function of dye concentration, pH, oxygen concentration, dose and dose rate. It was found that the percent removal efficiency is dependent mainly on dye concentration and radiation dose, and it depends on the absorption band being maximum at 664 nm. The radiation chemical yield (G-value) was found to be independent of pH, [oxygen] at fixed [dye] and dose. Dose rate has no effect on the dye removal which indicates the absence of chain reactions. The radiation induced degradation of methylene blue was found to be first order in the concentration range investigated.