Critical Review of Water Radiolysis Processes, Dissociation Products, and Possible Impacts on the Local Environment: A Geochemist’s Perspective

Radiolysis of water is the process whereby water dissociates due to various types of ionizing radiation (a, ß, and ?) into hydrogen and hydroxide radicals (instead of hydrogen and hydroxide ions as in ionization). During radiolysis, water breaks down to highly reactive radicals such as •OH, •H, eaq–, HO2, and O2–• and molecular species such as H2, O2, and H2O2. Yields of these dissociation products are largely dependent on factors including the type of radiation, vapour pressure of the system, and linear energy transfer. These dissociated radicals are highly reactive and can affect the local environment by changing redox conditions and, in turn, inducing and enhancing metal mobility in the environment. This article reviews the process of water radiolysis, dissociation products, and possible effects on the environment.