Reduction of nitrate during release of stored energy from γ-irradiated NaCl crystals in aqueous NaNO3 solution

Reduction of nitrate to nitrite takes place when the stored energy in the form of colour centres is released during dissolution of -irradiated NaCl crystals in aqueous sodium nitrate solution. Various parameters like dose, amount, storage time and particle size of irradiated NaCl salt which control the yield of nitrite have been studied. Similarly, the effect of concentration of NaNO₃ and the role of precipitation on the yields of nitrite in aqueous TlNO₃ and AgNO₃ have been investigated. The energy transfer parameter has been determined as the ratio of G/NO₂^–/ obtained by the addition of irradiated NaCl to that of direct -radiolysis. The data permit the evaluation of the concentration of colour centres in the irradiated NaCl crystals on the basis of the mechanism of reduction of nitrate.