The effects of a combined radiation-oxidation process on solutions of textile dyes have been studied. The combined treatment with gamma radiation and chlorine causes more decolorization than the effect of the two components when they are applied individually. Several chemical classes of dyes were tested, including anthraquinone, azo, metallized azo, sulfur, stilbene, and triphenylmethane dyes. At a concentration of 0.25 g/l the transmittance at the wave-length of maximum absorbance of dye solutions is greatly increased by treatment with a radiation dose of 60 kR plus 75 ppm chlorine. Non-optimized cost estimates indicate $0.31/1000 gal. for design treatment, with normal operating costs potentially lower. Although the major benefit from this treatment will be removal of color, some reduction of chemical oxygen demand will occur, and possibly some reduction in the biochemical oxygen demand. (Author)

"Project 12090 FZB." "Prepared for Office of Research and Monitoring, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency." Includes bibliographical references (pages 33-35).