Radical-induced destruction of diethyl phthalate in aqueous solution: kinetics, spectral properties, and degradation efficiencies studies

In this work, the reactions of ^?OH, e _aq ^? , and SO ₄ ^?? with diethyl phthalate (DEP) were investigated in aqueous solution by pulse radiolysis, and degradation efficiencies of DEP with ^?OH and e _aq ^? were evaluated in water using steady-state radiolysis as well. The absolute rate constants of ^?OH, e _aq ^? , and SO ₄ ^?? with DEP were determined as 2.3 × 10⁹, 1.0 × 10¹⁰, and 1.0 × 10⁸ M^?1 s^?1, respectively. The degradation efficiencies for the ^?OH and e _aq ^? reactions were 81 and 33 %, respectively. Transient absorption spectra were observed for the intermediate radicals produced by ^?OH, e _aq ^? , and SO ₄ ^?? reactions. The results suggested that e _aq ^? transferred to the ester group, resulting in the formation of DEP radical anions. In contrast, ^?OH and SO ₄ ^?? added predominantly to the aromatic ring of DEP, forming the corresponding ^?OH adducts. The fundamental mechanistic parameters and degradation efficiencies derived from these results were significant for evaluations and applications of advanced oxidation processes.