Photomineralization of the herbicide mecoprop dissolved in water sensitized by TiO2

Mecoprop ((RS)-2-(4-chloro-o-tolyloxy)propionic acid). C10H11ClO3 is extens ively used as herbicide and the resulting water contamination is a potentia l health hazard. The photocatalytic decomposition of this herbicide in aque ous suspensions containing TiO2 results in a complete mineralization. The i ntermediates formed during the photomineralization and the reaction pathway s were analyzed by recording proton NMR spectra. The rate of mecoprop decom position was also followed by potentiometric titration of the chloride rele ased. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.