Abstract
The object of our research has been laser-induced photo-oxidation of organophosphorus compounds
in aqueous media. A XeCl excimer laser with a pulse energy of up to 150 mJ and wavelength of
308 nm has been used as a light source. The research comprised the influence of irradiation conditions on
pesticide degradation (number of laser pulses, pulse energy) and decomposition efficiency. The time between
irradiation and sample isolation ranged from 5 min to 24 hrs. Rapid decomposition has been achieved within
two hours following the irradiation for the range of concentrations limited by the solubility of pesticide
(up to 40 mg