Degradation of Reactive Yellow 18 Using Ionizing Radiation Based Advanced Oxidation Processes: Cytotoxicity, Mutagenicity and By-Product Distribution

Abstract

The degradation of Reactive Yellow 18 (RY-18), induced by gamma radiation in aqueous medium, was carried out as a function of gamma radiation dose (5–20 kGy) and concentration of hydrogen peroxide, the initial dye concentration and pH of the solution were optimized for the maximum degradation efficiency. Gamma radiations alone and in combination with H2O2 were used to degrade the RY-18. A degradation rate of 99% was achieved using an absorbed dose of 20 kGy, 0.6 mL H2O2 in acidic pH. Variations in the functional groups of untreated and treated RY-18 were determined by FTIR analysis. The LCMS technique was used to determine the intermediates formed during the degradation process. The cytotoxicity and mutagenicity of RY-18 were studied by hemolytic and Ames tests, respectively. There were significant reductions in cytotoxicity and mutagenicity in response to gamma radiation treatment. Cytotoxicity was reduced from 15.1% to 7.6% after treatment with a 20 kGy absorbed dose of gamma radiations with 0.6 mL H2O2. Mutagenicity was reduced by 81.3% and 82.3% against the bacterial strains TA98 and TA100 after treatment with a 20 kGy absorbed dose with 0.6 mL H2O2. The advanced oxidation process efficiency was evaluated using the byproduct formations, which were low-molecular-weight organic acid units, which through further oxidation were converted into carbon dioxide and water end products. Based on RY-18 degradation, cytotoxicity and mutagenicity reduction, the gamma radiation in combination with H2O2 has potential for the removal of dye from the effluents.