Photochemical degradation of short-chain chlorinated paraffins in aqueous solution by hydrated electrons and hydroxyl radicals.

Short-chain chlorinated paraffins (SCCPs) are a complex mixture of polychlorinated alkanes (C-C, chlorine content 40-70%), and have been categorized as persistent organic pollutants. However, there are knowledge gaps about their environmental degradation, particularly the effectiveness and mechanism of photochemical degradation in surface waters. Photochemically-produced hydrated electrons (e) have been shown to degrade highly chlorinated compounds in environmentally-relevant conditions more effectively than hydroxyl radicals (·OH), which can degrade a wide range of organic pollutants.