Photolysis, photodegradation/photo-oxidation

In neutral and acidic methanol solutions, BPA exhibits a slight absorption of UV light wavelengths exceeding 290 nm, while in basic methanol solution BPA exhibits significant absorption of UV exceeding 290 nm (Howard, 1989). These results indicate that BPA may well be photolyzed in the environment. In the atmosphere, photodegradation of a small amount of vapor-phase BPA occurs due to direct photolysis or the interaction with OH (Staples et al, 1998). In addition to direct photolysis, the photo-oxidation of BPA in surface water may also occur due to the interaction with OH. However, the rate constant for the reaction of OH with BPA is not known. 

Bopp L, Boucher O, Aumont O, Belviso S, Dufresne JL, Pham M, Monfray P (2004) Will marine dimethylsulfide emissions amplify or alleviate global warming A model study. Can J Fish Aquat Sci 61 826-835 Bouillon RC, Miller WL (2004) Determination of apparent quantum yield spectra of DMS photo-degradation in an in situ iron-induced Northeast Pacific Ocean bloom. Geophys. Res. Lett. 31 Article no. L06310 Bouillon RC, Miller WL (2005) Photodegradation of dimethyl sulfide (DMS) in natural waters Laboratory assessment of the nitrate-photolysis-induced DMS oxidation. Environ Sci Technol 39 9471-9477... 

Whenever free radicals are produced in the presence of oxygen by a primary photolysis process then the alternative reaction of photo-oxidation usually becomes the predominant mechanism for photodegradation. The subjects of stabilization and prevention of oxidation induced by photolysis are discussed in Volume 6, Chapter 19. 

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