Ma. Oturan et al., Degradation of chlorophenoxyacid herbicides in aqueous media, using a novel electrochemical method, PEST SCI, 55(5), 1999, pp. 558-562
The degradation of five chlorophenoxyacid herbicides has been studied using
an electrochemical method based on the Fenton reaction (simultaneous reduc
tion of dioxygen and ferric ions). The method consists of electrosynthesizi
ng OH. radicals, which react rapidly with chlorophenoxyacids in aqueous med
ia. HPLC and GC-MS analysis show the formation of polyhydroxyphenols and qu
inones in a first step, and the complete destruction of the aromatic nucleu
s upon exhaustive electrolysis. This offers a possible way for the depollut
ion of natural waters containing chlorophenoxyacid pesticide residues. (C)
1999 Society of Chemical Industry.