Co-Authors:
Mingelgrin, U., Agric. Res. Organ., Volcani Cent., Bet Dagan, Israel
Saltzman, S., Agric. Res. Organ., Volcani Cent., Bet Dagan, Israel
Yaron, B., Agric. Res. Organ., Volcani Cent., Bet Dagan, Israel
Abstract:
A model for the hydrolysis of organophosphorus pesticides on clay surfaces is proposed; organophosphate ester molecules are susceptible to hydrolysis of the phosphate ester bond, whereby they are rapidly degraded on the kaolinite surfaces. It is suggested that the organophosphorus molecules undergo hydrolysis by the ligand water associated with the counter ions. Consequently, the degradation process is dependent on the nature of the saturating cation and its hydration status.