THE MOBILITY AND DEGRADATION OF ACROLEIN IN AGRICULTURAL CANALS TREATED WITH MAGNACIDE(R)-H HERBICIDE

The decay of acrolein and its hydration product 3-hydroxypropanal (3-O H) displayed first order kinetics in agricultural canals when applied at the recommended rate for aquatic weed control. The presence of each compound following application was transient. The dissipation half-li fe of acrolein was 10.2 and 7.3 hours (0.068 hr(-1) and 0.028 hr(-1)) in weedy and non-weedy canals, respectively. The half-life of 3-OH, wh ich was calculated in the weedy canal only, was 25.2 hours (0.028 hr(- 1)). In the weedy canal, acrolein had dissipated 91.5% within 33.0 hou rs and, in the non-weedy canal, it had dissipated 48% within 7.9 hours . The results indicate that acrolein is not persistent in aquatic envi ronments and is unlikely to pose a risk of adverse effects to nontarge t receptors when used under the conditions of this study.