Uptake of Neonicotinoid Insecticides by Water-Foraging Honey Bees (Hymenoptera: Apidae) Through Guttation Fluid of Winter Oilseed Rape

The water-foraging activity of honey bees (Apis mellifera L.) on guttation fluid of seed-coated crops, such as winter oilseed rape (WOR; Brassica napus L.), has not yet been evaluated. We analyzed the uptake of active substances (a.s.) in guttation fluid by evaluating residues of honey-sac contents. In autumn, insecticide residues of up to 130 µg a.s. per liter were released in WOR guttation fluid; this concentration is noticeably lower than levels reported in guttation fluid of seed-coated maize. Until winter dormancy, the concentrations declined to <30 µg a.s. per liter. In spring, residues were linked to prewintered plants and declined steadily until flowering. The maximum release of residues in guttation fluid of seed-coated WOR occurs on the first leaves in autumn when the colonies' water demand decreases. For the first time, proof for the uptake of guttation fluid from seed-coated WOR by honey bees was provided by measuring residues in individual honey-sac contents. In total, 38 out of 204 samples (19%) showed residues of thiamethoxam at concentrations ranging from 0.3 to 0.95 µg per liter while the corresponding concentrations in guttation fluid of WOR varied between 3.6 to 12.9 µg thiamethoxam per liter. The amounts of thiamethoxam we found in the honey sacs of water-foraging honey bees were therefore below the thresholds in nectar and pollen that are considered to have negative effects on honey bees after chronic exposure.

Molecular characterization of an end-residue of humeomics applied to a soil humic acid

Humeomics encompasses step-wise chemical fractionation and instrumental determination to fully characterize the heterogeneous molecular composition of natural organic matter.

Do lab-derived distribution coefficient values of pesticides match distribution coefficient values determined from column and field-scale experiments? A critical analysis of relevant literature

In this study, we analyzed sorption parameters for pesticides that were derived from batch and column or batch and field experiments. The batch experiments analyzed in this study were run with the same pesticide and soil as in the column and field experiments. We analyzed the relationship between the pore water velocity of the column and field experiments, solute residence times, and sorption parameters, such as the organic carbon normalized distribution coefficient ( ) and the mass exchange coefficient in kinetic models, as well as the predictability of sorption parameters from basic soil properties. The batch/column analysis included 38 studies with a total of 139 observations. The batch/field analysis included five studies, resulting in a dataset of 24 observations. For the batch/column data, power law relationships between pore water velocity, residence time, and sorption constants were derived. The unexplained variability in these equations was reduced, taking into account the saturation status and the packing status (disturbed-undisturbed) of the soil sample. A new regression equation was derived that allows estimating the values derived from column experiments using organic matter and bulk density with an value of 0.56. Regression analysis of the batch/column data showed that the relationship between batch- and column-derived values depends on the saturation status and packing of the soil column. Analysis of the batch/field data showed that as the batch-derived value becomes larger, field-derived values tend to be lower than the corresponding batch-derived values, and vice versa. The present dataset also showed that the variability in the ratio of batch- to column-derived value increases with increasing pore water velocity, with a maximum value approaching 3.5.

Synthesis, spectroscopic and structural study of trans- and cis-(±)-3-phenyl-4-(pyrrolidine-1-carbonyl)-isochroman-1-ones

Synthesis, spectroscopic and structural study of trans- and cis-(±)-3-phenyl-4-(pyrrolidine-1-carbonyl)-isochroman-1-ones is performed in order to obtain the correlation between the crystal structure and spectroscopic properties of both isomers in solid-state. The methods such as single crystal X-ray diffraction, conventional and linear-polarized IR-spectroscopy, UV-spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, ¹H and ¹³C NMR are employed. Quantum chemical ab initio and DFT calculations are performed, to support the experimental data for the electronic structure and optical properties.

Properties of the Michael's adducts of the substituted 2-amino-5-oxonitriles

A series of five substituted 2-amino-5-oxonitriles, obtained by the Michael reaction have been designed, synthesised, isolated and spectroscopically and structurally elucidated by means of single crystal X-ray diffraction, linear-polarized infrared (IR-LD) and UV-spectroscopy, (1)H NMR, mass spectrometry and thermal methods. Theoretical quantum chemical calculations were carried out, thus supporting the experimental optical properties and electronic structure of compounds studied.

Endophytic fungal strains of Fusarium solani, from Apodytes dimidiata E. Mey. ex Arn (Icacinaceae) produce camptothecin, 10-hydroxycamptothecin and 9-methoxycamptothecin

Camptothecin and 10-hydroxycamptothecin are two important precursors for the synthesis of the clinically useful anticancer drugs, topotecan and irinotecan. In recent years, efforts have been made to identify novel plant and endophytic fungal sources of camptothecin and 10-hydroxycamptothecin. In this study we have isolated endophytic fungi strains from Apodytes dimidiata (Icacinaceae), a medium sized tree from the Western Ghats, India. The fungi were identified as Fusarium solani using both ITS rDNA sequencing and spore morphology. Two strains, MTCC 9667 and MTCC 9668 were isolated, both of which produced camptothecin and 9-methoxycamptothecin in their mycelia; one of the strains, MTCC 9668 also produced 10-hydroxycamptothecin, though in small amounts. The yields of camptothecin in MTCC 9667 and MTCC 9668 were 37 and 53 microg/100g, respectively, after 4 days of incubation in broth culture. The yields of 10-hydroxycamptothecin and 9-methoxycamptothecin in MTCC 9668 were 8.2 and 44.9 microg/100g, respectively. Further research in optimizing the culture conditions of these fungal strains might permit their application for the production of camptothecin and 10-hydroxycamptothecin.

Synthesis, spectroscopic and structural elucidation of 1-butyl-4-[2-(3,5-dimethoxy-4-hydroxyphenyl)ethenyl)]pyridinium chloride tetrahydrate

The novel chloride salt of 1-butyl-4-[2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)ethenyl)]pyridine (1), has been synthesized as the tetrahydrate and its structure and properties elucidated in detail spectroscopically, thermally and structurally, using single crystal X-ray diffraction, linear-polarized solid-state IR-spectroscopy, UV-spectroscopy and mass spectrometry. Quantum chemical calculations were performed with a view to supporting and explaining the experimental structural and spectroscopic data. The compound (1) crystallizes in triclinic P1 space group and its unit cell contains two independent 1-butyl-4-[2-(3,5-dimethoxy4-hydroxyphenyl)ethenyl)]pyridinium] cations, differing with respect to the butyl chain torsion angle for which values of 80.0(9) degrees and 173.6(3) degrees are observed. The cations and anions are joined into infinite layers, formed by two different dimers and including solvent molecules. Hydrogen bonds OH...OH(2) (2.814 A), HOH...O(CH(3)) (2.960 A), OH...Cl (2.967 A), HOH...Cl(-) (3.034, 3.188, 3.161 and 3.062 A) and HOH...OH(2) (2.772 A) are observed. For first time in the literature, we are reporting the crystal structure of the dye with the syring-fragment in the molecule. The spectroscopic properties of the novel compound are compared and with those of the corresponding quinoide form (2). Both the forms (1) and (2) are characterized by 21 and 140 nm solvatochromic effects depending of the type of the solvent. The UV-spectroscopic data in solution confirm the formation of classical H-aggregates in polar protic solvent mixture.

1,10-Phenanthrolinium hydrogensquarate monohydrate--a non-centrosymmetric structure from two non-chiral agents

The novel hydrogensquarate salt of 1,10-phenanthroline has been synthesized, isolated and structurally elucidated by single crystal X-ray diffraction. 1,10-Phenanthrolinium hydrogensquarate monohydrate (1) crystallizes in the non-centrosymmetric P2(1) space group. Its hydrogensquarate anions form a stable dimer by means of ((Sq))OHc...O=C((Sq)) hydrogen bonds with lengths of 2.509, 2.526, 2.510, and 2.524A. The solvent water molecule interacts with the anion dimers by means of strong and moderate hydrogen bonds HOHc...O=C((Sq)) with bond lengths of 2.782 and 2.845A, respectively. The 1,10-phenanthrolinium cation participates in NHc...OH(2) interactions with the water molecule (bond lengths of 2.810, 2.758, 2.779 and 2.760A). Surprisingly, compound contains four independent molecules in the unit cell. Optical properties were elucidated by means of linear-polarized solid-state IR-spectroscopy and UV-spectroscopy. In addition TGA, DSC, DTA data, positive and negative ESI mass spectra as well as (1)H- and (13)C NMR spectra are presented. Quantum chemical methods were used to calculate the electronic structure, vibrational data and electronic spectra as well as non-linear optical properties of neutral 1,10-phenanthroline and its protonated cation. Second harmonic generation measurements of the novel compound demonstrate that the compound possesses effective d coefficients of 1.9+/-0.5 pm V(-1), value that is about three times higher that of the low temperature form of potassium dideuterophosphate.

Hydrogensquarates of 3-nicotinoyl and 3-isonicotinoyl coumarin--crystal structures and spectroscopic elucidation

Two novel hydrogensquarates of 3-nicotinoyl (1) and 3-isonicotinoyl (2) coumarin have been synthesized and their structures and properties elucidated spectroscopically and structurally, using single crystal X-ray diffraction, linear-polarized solid-state IR-spectroscopy, UV-spectroscopy and negative ESI MS. Quantum chemical calculations were used to obtain the electronic structure, vibrational data and electronic spectra. The IR-spectroscopic elucidation is carried out by a comparison with the characteristics of corresponding neutral 3-nicotinoyl and 3-isonicotinoyl coumarins.

N-methylcodeinium iodide--crystal structure and spectroscopic elucidation

The correlation between the structure and the spectroscopic properties of N-methylcodeinium iodide (1) has been studied, using the methods of single crystal X-ray diffraction, IR-LD spectroscopy of oriented samples as a suspension in nematic liquid crystals, UV-vis spectroscopy and 1H and 13C NMR spectroscopy. HPLC tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC ESI MS/MS) and thermal methods were also employed. Quantum chemical calculations have been performed with a view to obtaining the electronic structure and vibrational properties of the title compound. Compound (1) crystallizes in the space group P2(1)2(1)2(1) and its cations and anions are joined by moderate intermolecular OH...I- interaction of length 3.442A. The codeine molecule exhibits the classical T-shape for opiates. A dihedral angle value of 86.4(5) degrees between the A/B/C and D/E planes is obtained. Rings A and B are effectively coplanar with an interplanar angle of 3.6(3) degrees.

Sequestration of manure-applied sulfadiazine residues in soils

It is not the total but the (bio)accessible concentration of veterinary medicines that determines their toxicity in the environment. We elucidate the changes in (bio)accessibility of manure-applied sulfadiazine (SDZ) with increasing contact time in soil. Fattening pigs were medicated with 14C-labeled SDZ, and the contaminated manure (fresh and aged) was amended to 2 soil types (Cambisol, Luvisol) and incubated for 218 days at 10 degrees C in the dark. Antibiotic residues of different bioaccessibility were approached by sequential extractions with 0.01 M CaCl2 (CaCl2 fraction), methanol (MeOH fraction), and finally acetonitrile/water (residual fraction, microwave extraction at 150 degrees C). In each fraction, total radioactivity, SDZ, and its major metabolites were quantified. The results showed that both SDZ and,to a lesser extent 4-hydroxysulfadiazine (4-OH-SDZ) were rapidly reformed from N-acetylsulfadiazine (N-ac-SDZ) during the first 2-4 weeks after fresh manure application, i.e., the N-acetylated metabolite does not sequester in soil to a significant extent Yet, the water and methanol extractable SDZ and 4-OH-SDZ also dissipated rapidly (DT50 = 6.0-32 days) for the fresh manure treatment with similar rate constants for both soil types. In the residual fractions, however, the concentrations of both compounds increased with time. We conclude that the residual fraction comprises the sequestered pool of SDZ and its hydroxylated metabolite. There they are entrapped and may persist in soil for several years. Including the residual fraction into fate studies thus yields dissipation half-lives of SDZ which exceed those previously reported for sulfonamides by a factor of about 100.

Immunomodulatory activity of an extract of the novel fungal endophyte Entrophospora infrequens isolated from Nothapodytes foetida (Wight) Sleumer

A novel camptothecin-producing endophytic fungus viz., Entrophospora infrequens was isolated from an important Indian medicinal plant Nothapodytes foetida. The present study reports evaluation ofbioactivities of two novel extracts viz., chloroform (CEEI) and methanolic (MEEI) extracts of Entrophospora infrequens with respect to their immunomodulatory potential in vitro and in vivo (in Balb/c mice). The endophyte E. infrequens was found to synthesize camptothecin, which tested positive in CEEI. The immunomodulatory potential of CEEI and MEEI was compared with standard camptothecin (CPT). Doses of the chloroform extract (CEEI) ranging from 12.5-100 mg/kg body weight, significantly (p < 0.05) stimulated the humoral and cell-mediated immune responses in a dose-dependent manner. MEEI on the other hand significantly (p < 0.05) stimulated the delayed type hypersensitivity (DTH) reaction (by nearly 80%), plaque forming cell (PFC) assay (33%), phagocytic response (38%) and haemagglutination antibody (HA) titre [IgM by 79.07% and IgG by 62.05%] at a dose of 12.5 mg/kg body weight. The present study is the first report of the immunomodulatory potential of this neoteric camptothecin-producing endophyte from Nothapodytes foetida.

Spectroscopic, theoretical and structural characterization of hydrogensquarates of l-threonyl-l-serine and l-serine

Hydrogensquarates of dipeptide L-threonyl-L-serine (H-Thr-Ser-OH) and L: -serine (HSq x Ser) have been synthesized, isolated and spectroscopic characterized by solid-state linear-polarized IR-spectroscopy, 1H- and 13C-NMR, ESI-MS and HPLC with tandem masspectrometry (MS-MS) methods. The structures of the salts and neutral dipeptide have been predicted theoretically by ab initio calculations. In the case of H-Thr-Ser-OH the theoretical data are supported by IR-LD ones. The hydrogensquarates consist in positive charged dipeptide or amino acid moiety and negative hydrogensquarate anion (HSq) stabilizing by strong intermolecular hydrogen bonds. The data about the L-serine hydrogensquarate are compared with known crystallographic data thus indicating a good correlation between the theoretical predicted structures and experimentally obtained by single crystal X-ray diffraction.

Phytochemical analysis of nine Hypericum L. species from Serbia and the F.Y.R. Macedonia

The methanol extracts of the aerial parts of nine Hypericum species (H. barbatum, H. hirsutum, H. linarioides, H. maculatum, H. olympicum, H. perforatum, H. richeri, H. rumeliacum and H. tetrapterum), collected on different locations in Serbia and the F.Y.R. Macedonia, were obtained by accelerated solvent extraction (ASE) and analyzed for the content of four constituents (hyperoside, quercitrin, hyperforin and hypericin) by LC-MS/ MS. All studied extracts contained the characteristic four constituents, but their contents varied between different species and locations. The content of hypericin in H. barbatum was significantly higher (3.9 times) than that in H. perforatum.

Electrospray ionization mass spectrometry of terrestrial humic substances and their size fractions

Electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS) was used to evaluate the average molecular mass of terrestrial humic substances, such as humic (HA) and fulvic (FA) acids from a soil, and humic acid from a lignite (NDL). Their ESI mass spectra, by direct infusion, gave average molecular masses comparable to those previously obtained for aquatic humic materials. The soil HA and FA were further separated in size-fractions by preparative high performance size exclusion chromatography (HPSEC) and analyzed with ESI-MS by both direct infusion and a further on-line analytical HPSEC. Unexpectedly, their average molecular mass was only slightly less than for the bulk sample and, despite different nominal molecular size, did not substantially vary among size-fractions. The values increased significantly (up to around 1200 Da) after on-line analytical HPSEC for the HA bulk sample, at both pH 8 and 4, and for the HA size-fractions when pH was reduced from 8 to 4. It was noticed that HA size-fractions at pH 8 were separated by on-line HPSEC in further peaks showing average masses which progressively increased with elution volume. Furthermore, when the HA and NDL bulk samples were sequentially ultracentrifuged at increasing rotational speed, their supernatants showed mass values which were larger than bulk samples and increased with rotational speed. These variations in mass values indicate that the electrospray ionization is dependent on the composition of the humic molecular mixtures and increases when their heterogeneity is progressively reduced. It is suggested that the dominance of hydrophobic compounds in humic supramolecular associations may inhibit the electrospray ionization of hydrophilic components. Our results show that ESI-MS is reasonably applicable to humic substances only after an extensive reduction of their chemical complexity.

Influence of biotic and abiotic factors on dissipating metalaxyl in soil

Under laboratory condition, dissipation of metalaxyl in sterile and non-sterile soils, its sorption behaviour and fate in presence of light have been studied. The half-life value of metalaxyl was found in the range of 36-73 d in non-sterile soil. 5.3-14.7% dissipation was observed due to abiotic factors other than light. Metalaxyl was found photostable in soil showing half-life of 188- 502 h under simulated sunlight. In adsorption study, a non-linear relationship between concentration of metalaxyl and its adsorption into soils was observed. Estimated koc value increased as organic carbon content decreased. Adsorption and desorption kD values ranged between 53.5 and 151.1.

Characterisation of humic substances using atmospheric pressure chemical ionisation and electrospray ionisation mass spectrometry combined with size-exclusion chromatography

Humic substances were analysed by atmospheric pressure chemical ionisation (APCI) and electrospray ionisation (ESI) mass spectrometry in positive and negative modes. Using APCI the average m/z range of humic substances was reduced 5-fold compared to ESI. High-resolution time-of-flight mass spectrometry revealed the formation of multiply charged molecules in the ESI mode. Moreover, it was possible to obtain daughter ion mass spectra of humic substances by nanospray tandem mass spectrometry. The size-exclusion chromatography elution profile of humic substances was highly influenced by the pH of the analyte solution. By contrast, the pH had no significant influence on the observed mass spectra of humic substances.

Melanocrocin, a polyene pigment from Melanogaster broomeianus (Basidiomycetes)

A new polyene pigment, melanocrocin, has been isolated either from fruit bodies or mycelial cultures of the subterranean fungus Melanogaster broomeianus. The structure of the pigment was determined by spectroscopic methods and chemical transformations. Melanocrocin is the N-acyl derivative of L-phenylalanine methyl ester with a polyolefinic carboxylic acid.

Persistence, fate, and metabolism of [(14)C]metalaxyl in typical Indian soils

The biodegradation of ring-labeled [(14)C]metalaxyl in six Indian soils was examined. The total recovery of radioactivity from soil was 100 +/- 6% of the applied radioactivity. Volatile organics and (14)CO(2) were detected at lower levels. This suggests that neither mineralization nor volatilization is a major route of metalaxyl dissipation. The most rapid degradation of metalaxyl was observed in Bannimantap soil, in which the half-life of metalaxyl was 36 days. An inverse relationship was found when half-lives were plotted against microbial biomass and soil clay content. However, soil total organic carbon did not correlate with metalaxyl persistence. Five metabolites detected by thin-layer chromatography were more polar than metalaxyl.

The cyanide leaching gold recovery process is a nonsustainable technology with unacceptable impacts on ecosystems and humans: the disaster in Romania

The statements and discussions in this commentary are based on the disastrous situation near Baia Mare in Romania, where a dam of a cyanide basin burst on January 30, 2000, with serious consequences.

Rapid target analysis for pesticides in water by online coated capillary microextraction combined with liquid chromatography and tandem mass spectrometry

The applicability of online trace enrichment with custom-made coated capillaries combined with tandem mass spectrometry was demonstrated for the target analysis of selected pesticides (mainly herbicides, e.g., triazines, phenylureas, and acetanilides) in water. The developed method allows rapid determination of several widely used plant protectants within a total analysis time of 11 min. Good linearity (r > or = 0.995) was obtained for the selected pesticides in the range of 0.050-50 microg/L. The relative standard deviations (RSDs) of the peak areas were < or = 3.8% for spiked Milli-Q water (5 microg/L). The RSDs obtained in analyses of spiked (1 microg/L) water samples (brook water, river water, sewage plant effluent) ranged from 2.9 to 6.8%, indicating low influence of the matrix on enrichment and detection. The detection limits, which ranged from 10 to 90 ng/L, fulfilled the requirements of the European regulations for drinking water. The polyacrylate coating of the extraction capillary showed good stability in the presence of water and acetonitrile and allowed > or = 100 extractions with 1 capillary.

Metalaxyl: persistence, degradation, metabolism, and analytical methods

Metalaxyl is a systemic fungicide used to control plant diseases caused by Oomycete fungi. Its formulations include granules, wettable powders, dusts, and emulsifiable concentrates. Application may be by foliar or soil incorporation, surface spraying (broadcast or band), drenching, and seed treatment. Metalaxyl registered products either contain metalaxyl as the sole active ingredient or are combined with other active ingredients (e.g., captan, mancozeb, copper compounds, carboxin). Due to its broad-spectrum activity, metalaxyl is used world-wide on a variety of fruit and vegetable crops. Its effectiveness results from inhibition of uridine incorporation into RNA and specific inhibition of RNA polymerase-1. Metalaxyl has both curative and systemic properties. Its mammalian toxicity is classified as EPA toxicity class III and it is also relatively non-toxic to most nontarget arthropod and vertebrate species. Adequate analytical methods of TLC, GLC, HPLC, MS, and other techniques are available for identification and determination of metalaxyl residues and its metabolites. Available laboratory and field studies indicate that metalaxyl is stable to hydrolysis under normal environmental pH values, It is also photolytically stable in water and soil when exposed to natural sunlight. Its tolerance to a wide range of pH, light, and temperature leads to its continued use in agriculture. Metalaxyl is photodecomposed in UV light, and photoproducts are formed by rearrangement of the N-acyl group to the aromatic ring, demethoxylation, N-deacylation, and elimination of the methoxycarbonyl group from the molecule. Photosensitizers such as humic acid, TiO2, H2O2, acetone, and riboflavin accelerate its photodecomposition. Information is provided on the fate of metalaxyl in plant, soil, water, and animals. Major metabolic routes include hydrolysis of the methyl ester and methyl ether oxidation of the ring-methyl groups. The latter are precursors of conjugates in plants and animals. In soils the most relevant metabolite is the metalaxyl acid, which is formed predominantly by soil microorganisms. Plant uptake, microbial degradation, photodecomposition, and leaching are the major route of metalaxyl dissipation. It has a tendency to migrate to deeper soil horizons with a potential to contaminate groundwater, particularly in soils with low organic matter and clay content. Therefore, precautions should be taken for the continuous application of metalaxyl to crops. If use of metalaxyl is greately increased, the risk of occurrence in groundwater must be reassessed, as by monitoring studies in the most vulnerable areas in main use regions. The R-isomer of metalaxyl (mefenoxam) has recently been registered as the only active compound. Therefore, quantitative studies on the fate of this specific isomer are needed, including appropriate analytical methods. As the use rates of mefenoxam are approximately one-half those recommended for metalaxyl and mefenoxam dissipates more rapidly, concerns for mefenoxam reaching groundwater are even less justified.

Environmental fate of amitrole: influence of dissolved organic matter

In this study the environmental fate of amitrole in terrestrial and aquatic model ecosystems was investigated. Under aerobic conditions mineralization of amitrole is the main degradation pathway. The experiments revealed that the leaching behaviour is low in the presence or the absence of dissolved organic matter (DOM) despite the high water solubility due to a strong binding of amitrole to soil constituents. Under anaerobic conditions the addition of DOM increases the transport of amitrole in soil columns. The tests with water/sediment model ecosystems showed that the mineralization of amitrole is lower in comparison to aerobic soil experiments. Up to 80.6% of the applied 14C-labelled amitrole transfer into the sediment and about 1/3 of this amount formed bound residues, which are not extractable.

Primary photoproducts and half-lives

The photolytically induced decomposition of fluoroquinolone carboxylic acids (enrofloxacin, danofloxacin, ciprofloxacin and norfloxacin) at concentrations of 10 mg/l in pure water and an irradiation intensity of 200 W/m(2) (xenon lamp) led to half-lives from 20.6 min (danofloxacin) to 105.9 min (norfloxacin). The environmental half-life of enrofloxacin was calculated by the GCSOLAR program and resulted in 1.8 to 55.4 hours, depending on the season and degree of latitude. During the irradiation procedure, products were built up which primarily demonstrated alterations involving the piperazine ring as compared with the parent compounds. The amount of(14)CO(2) evolved by the photomineralization of(14)C-labeled enrofloxacin reached 26.4 % of the applied radioactivity. The main photoproducts were isolated by HPLC and their structural elucidation was carried out by different spectroscopic methods (MS, GC/MS and(1)H-NMR).

Isolation and structural elucidation of polar photometabolites

Subsequent to irradiation with a xenon lamp simulating sunlight, fluoroquinolone carboxylic acids in aqueous solution form polar pyridone dicarboxylic and tricarboxylic acids. After liquid/liquid partition with chloroform/water these substances can be isolated by ion exchange chromatography of the aqueous phase. They can be regarded as intermediate compounds on the route to a complete photomineralization. The structural elucidation is performed by such mass spectroscopic methods as MS, GC/MS and HPLC/MS, whereby HPLC/MS shows the highest reliability. Additionally(1)H- and(13)C-NMR measurements confirm the structure of the main polar degradation product.