METABOLIC-FATE OF [C-14] ACROLEIN UNDER AEROBIC AND ANAEROBIC AQUATIC CONDITIONS

The metabolic fate of the irrigation canal herbicide MAGNACIDE H [active ingredient, acrolein (2-propenal)] was studied using natural sediment and water under aerobic and anaerobic aquatic controlled laboratory conditions. Test systems were treated at the recommended application rate of 15 mg/L. Water, sediment, and volatile trap analyses were performed to determine the chemical degradation pattern of acrolein. The half-life of acrolein was approximately 1 day, resulting in the production of several metabolic products that were ephemeral in nature. Identifications included 3-hydroxypropanal, acrylic acid, allyl alcohol, propionic acid, propanol, and 3-hydroxypropionic acid. Characterization and identification of metabolites were achieved using three different modes of HPLC separation: ion exclusion, reversed-phase, and anion-exchange chromatography. Bound residues were minimal (6-18% of applied dose). A comparison of degradation products and pathways, which ultimately lead to the production of oxalic acid and CO2, under aerobic and anaerobic conditions is discussed.