Photodegradation of triazine herbicides in aqueous solutions and natural waters

The photodegradation of three triazines, atrazine, simazine, and prometryn, in aqueous solutions and natural waters using UV radiation (lambda > 290 nm) has been studied. Experimental results showed that the dark reactions were negligible. The rate of photodecomposition in aqueous solutions depends on the nature of the triazines and follows first-order kinetics. In the case of the use of hydrogen peroxide and UV radiation, a synergistic effect was observed. The number of photodegradation products detected, using FIA/MS and FIA/MS/MS techniques, suggests the existence of various degradation routes resulting in complex and interconnected pathways.