Investigations of photodegradation processes of pesticides

Project co-ordinator: Dr. Polonca Trebše

In this study it is intended to study photochemical degradation of OP and carbamate pesticides. The decrease in their concentrations will be followed using biosensors. Photodegradation and toxicity will be tested on a pilot plant in the laboratory and in real experiments in the environment. An on-line procedure for toxicity measurements of real environmental samples will be optimised by addition of an preoxidation step on biosensor to assure determination of the total toxicity of samples. The degradation processes and formation of metabolites will be followed and supported by classical analytical methods such as GC-MS, HPLC-DAD. Beside classical analytical methods (HPLC-DAD and MS) implementation and validation of the new method of laser detection using TLS spectroscopy in the UV region in combination with HPLC and FIA will be carried out.

Important data about the toxicity of compounds formed during photodegradation processes of OP and carbamates will be collected. These data will enable the development of more appropriate methods and optimisation of detoxification conditions in the case of toxic wastes, which contain such compounds, and also offer the choice of using less toxic compounds. We expect important results for Science, especially in the field of oxidation processes of selected OP pesticides. This will contribute to a better knowledge of the transformation and degradation of OP and carbamates in the environment. The use of biosensors on the basis of acetylcholinesterase will cover the oxo and thiono forms of OP. On the basis of these results, the development and improvement of biosensors for the detection of organophosphate and carbamate pesticides will be enabled and will provide the opportunity of using them in practical applications.