Photodegradation of Metribuzin by Simulated Solar Light Irradiation

摘要

Photolysis is expected to be a major degradation process for pollutants in surface water. This paper studied the photodegradation of metribuzin, a widely used herbicide, in aqueous solution under simulated solar light irradiation. Photolysis of metribuzin was enhanced by the higher light intensity, and the major products were deaminometribuzin and nitrite ions. Metribuzin degradation was inhibited in the absence of oxygen and at higher pH value. In addition, iron in water promoted the degradation of metribuzin, while dissolved organic matter lowered the degradation rate. This investigation is helpful for better understanding the transformation and the potential ecological risk of metribuzin in natural water.