Application of photochemical reactor models to UV irradiation of trichloroethylene in water

The UV irradiation of trichloroethylene in water was studied. Degradation rates depend on the initial TCE concentration and nature of the water. Volatilization contribute to the disappearance rate of TCE between 5% and 12% when initial TCE concentration are 25 and 100 μgl−1. respectively. In surface waters containing up to 17 mgl−1 of TOC conversion of TCE is only 54% compared to 80% reached in ultrapure water (with less than 20 μgl−1 of TOC) in 90 min. Degradation rates of TCE decrease with the increase of TOC content of the water. Quantum yields of TCE at 254 nm have been determined from different photochemical kinetic models. Differences between models are likely due to effects (reflection-refraction phenomena) not accounted for in the kinetic equations. From the PSSE model TCE quantum yield has been found to be 1.712±0.041 mol.photon−1.