Abstract:
It is known, that highly toxic pesticide hexachlorocyclohexane (HCH) is resistant to
decomposition and has a long-term accumulating capacity. Nevertheless, it undergoes complete
degradation in reactions with hydroxyl radicals in Fenton-like systems. The goal of this work was to
study the influence of HCH on the processes of radical self-purification of water bodies and to explain
the mechanisms of chemical transformation of substances occurring in natural waters, as well as to
reveal the kinetic characteristics of the processes of radical self-purification of water bodies. It was
found, that HCH plays a dual role for aquatic ecosystems – it is not only a scavenger of free radicals,
but also an additional initiator. Under the influence of light in the surface layer of water, HCH generates
radicals, thus contributing to the self-purification processes.
