Gamma irradiation-induced degradation of organochlorine pesticides

Abstract

The presence of pesticide residues in cultural heritage collections poses health risks to museum professionals, making mitigation essential. This study evaluates gamma radiation as a decontamination strategy through two complementary experiments. Standard solutions of organochlorine pesticides (dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane, hexachlorobenzene, and lindane) were irradiated to assess degradation, while model materials (cotton, wood, vegetable fiber, and feathers) were artificially contaminated and irradiated with 30 kGy. Analyses by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, colorimetry, and scanning electron microscopy demonstrated pesticide degradation without significant chemical, chromatic, or structural alterations, highlighting ionizing radiation as a promising method for decontaminating cultural heritage materials.