ENVR 148 |
| Organophosphorus (OP) insecticides account for an estimated 34% of worldwide insecticide sales, but the pest-controlling benefits are marred by environmental burdens. Effluents from production plants and spillages from farm activities during filling and washings of the spray equipment could contaminate surface or groundwater. Their inherent toxicity raises concern for human health and environment. Pure OP pesticides have been totally degraded using Fe-TAML-activated hydrogen peroxide into small aliphatic acids and partial mineralization leaving little residual aquatic toxicity. The Fe-TAML/peroxide system displays peroxidase-like activity with rates approaching the enzymatic range and exhibits stability and deep oxidation capabilities that far exceed enzymatic performance. Formulated pesticides designed for greater stability towards hydrolysis and oxidation are mostly used in agricultural applications. Here we report total degradation of a chlorpyrifos EC formulation to an environmentally acceptable endpoint that results in 125-fold reduction in toxicity by Microtox® assay. |
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Advances in Abiotic Transformation Processes for Micropollutants in Drinking Water and for Sourcewater Protection
1:30 PM-5:10 PM, Tuesday, April 8, 2008 Morial Convention Center -- Rm. 237, Oral
Division of Environmental Chemistry |