Dimethylolurea as a Novel Slow-Release Nitrogen Source for Nitrogen Leaching Mitigation and Crop Production

Rapid hydrolysis of urea results in further fertilization frequency and excessive nitrogen (N) input. A modified urea, dimethylolurea (DMU), was synthesized in this study. The structure of the sample was characterized by Fourier transform infrared and nuclear magnetic resonance analysis, manifesting the formation of DMU. N release investigation confirmed that DMU enabling provided a gradual N supply. The N leaching experiment indicated that increasing the applied DMU significantly reduced the NH₄⁺-N, NO₃^--N, and total N leaching, compared with urea application alone. The application effect on maize and wheat was evaluated. The results revealed that singly applied DMU with 100% or 80% N input, irrespective of the amount, promoted crop yield and agronomic characteristic and N use efficiency (NUE) of maize and wheat, beyond urea with two split applications at the recommended rate. Thus, the potential availability of DMU was proven; this could be widely used in agricultural fields as a slow-release fertilizer.

Enzyme-Functionalized Piezoresistive Hydrogel Biosensors for the Detection of Urea

Urea is used in a wide variety of industrial applications such as the production of fertilizers. Furthermore, urea as a metabolic product is an important indicator in biomedical diagnostics. For these applications, reliable urea sensors are essential. In this work, we present a novel hydrogel-based biosensor for the detection of urea. The hydrolysis of urea by the enzyme urease leads to an alkaline pH change, which is detected with a pH-sensitive poly(acrylic acid-co-dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate) hydrogel. For this purpose, the enzyme is physically entrapped during polymerization. This enzyme-hydrogel system shows a large sensitivity in the range from 1 mmol/L up to 20 mmol/L urea with a high long-term stability over at least eight weeks. Furthermore, this urea-sensitive hydrogel is highly selective to urea in comparison to similar species like thiourea or N-methylurea. For sensory applications, the swelling pressure of this hydrogel system is transformed via a piezoresistive pressure sensor into a measurable output voltage. In this way, the basic principle of hydrogel-based piezoresistive urea biosensors was demonstrated.

Influence of chelation on the Fenton-based electrochemical degradation of herbicide tebuthiuron

This study describes the performance of electro-Fenton (EF) and photoelectro-Fenton (PEF) processes to degrade the herbicide tebuthiuron (TBH) in 0.050 M Na₂SO₄ at pH = 3.0. Experiments were performed in an undivided cell equipped with a boron-doped diamond (BDD) or Pt anode and an air-diffusion cathode that produces H₂O₂. Physisorbed hydroxyl radicals (M(OH)) generated from water oxidation at the anode and/or free OH formed from Fenton's reaction acted as main oxidants. All processes became much more effective using a BDD anode because of the higher oxidation power of BDD(OH). Sulfate and nitrate were the predominant ions released during TBH destruction. In both, EF and PEF treatments, two distinct kinetic regimes were observed, the first one corresponding to the oxidation of free TBH by OH and the second one to that of the Fe(III)-TBH complex by M(OH). The effect of Fe²⁺ and TBH concentrations on the kinetics of both regions has been examined. Moreover, a poor mineralization was reached with Pt anode, whereas almost total mineralization was attained by EF and PEF with BDD. Both processes showed analogous mineralization rates because the intermediates produced could not be photodegraded by UVA light. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis of electrolyzed solutions revealed the generation of eight heteroaromatics along with 1,3-dimethylurea, which have been included in a reaction pathway proposed for the initial degradation of TBH.

The herbicides trifluralin and tebuthiuron have no genotoxic or mutagenic potential as evidenced by genetic tests

Brazil has been the largest world consumer of pesticides since 2008, followed by the USA. The herbicides trifluralin and tebuthiuron have been widely applied in agriculture. These herbicides are selective for some plant species, and their use brings various benefits. However, the genotoxic and mutagenic effects of tebuthiuron on non-target organisms are poorly known, and in addition, the effects of trifluralin must be better investigated. Therefore, this study employed genetic tests including the comet assay and micronucleus test to evaluate the genotoxic effects of trifluralin and tebuthiuron on HepG2 cells. In addition, we have used the Ames test to assess the mutagenic effects of the herbicides on the TA97a, TA98, TA100, and TA1535 strains of Salmonella typhimurium. On the basis of the comet assay and the micronucleus test, trifluralin did not cause genetic damage to HepG2 cells. In addition, trifluralin did not impact the tested S. typhimurium strains. Regarding tebuthiuron, literature has shown that this herbicide damaged DNA in Oreochromis niloticus. Nevertheless, we have found that tebuthiuron was not genotoxic to either HepG2 cells or the S. typhimurium strains. Therefore, neither trifluralin nor tebuthiuron exerted genotoxic or mutagenic potential at the tested conditions.

O-Methylisourea Can React with the α-Amino Group of Lysine: Implications for the Analysis of Reactive Lysine

The specificity of O-methylisourea (OMIU) to bind to the ε-amino group of Lys, an important supposition for the OMIU-reactive Lys analysis of foods, feeds, ingredients, and digesta, was investigated. Crystalline l-Lys incubated under standard conditions with OMIU resulted in low homoarginine recoveries. The reaction of OMIU with the α-amino group of Lys was confirmed by MS analysis, with double derivatized Lys being identified. None of the changes in reaction conditions (OMIU pH, OMIU to Lys ratio, and reaction time) with crystalline l-Lys resulted in 100% recovery of homoarginine. The average free Lys content in ileal digesta of growing pigs and broilers was found to be 13% of total Lys, which could result in a significant underestimation of the reactive Lys content. The reaction of OMIU with α-amino groups may necessitate analysis of free Lys to accurately quantify reactive lysine in samples containing a large proportion of Lys with a free α-amino group.

Tebuthiuron Movement via Leaching and Runoff from Grazed Vertisol and Alfisol Soils in the Brigalow Belt Bioregion of Central Queensland, Australia

Tebuthiuron is one of five priority herbicides identified as a water pollutant entering the Great Barrier Reef. A review of tebuthiuron research in Australia found 13 papers, 6 of which focused on water quality at the basin scale (>10,000 km(2)) with little focus on process understanding. This study examined the movement of tebuthiuron in soil and runoff at the plot (1.7 m(2)) and small catchment (12.7 ha) scales. The greatest concentration and mass in soil occurred from 0 to 0.05 m depth 30-57 days after application. Concentrations at all depths tended to decrease after 55-104 days. Runoff at the small catchment scale contained high concentrations of tebuthiuron (average = 103 μg/L) 100 days after application, being 0.05% of the amount applied. Tebuthiuron concentrations in runoff declined over time with the majority of the chemical in the dissolved phase.

Fate of Tebuthiuron and Hexazinone in Green-Cane Harvesting System

In Brazil, fire prior to sugar cane harvesting has to be phased out by 2017, but it has already been phased out in up to 85-90% of the cropped area. The new system is called green cane and has entirely changed weed management practices. The main goal of this study was to evaluate the effects of the straw presence as well as humic acid (HA), formulation, soil type, and aging on the sorption and leaching of (14)C-tebuthiuron and hexazinone. Both herbicides presented low sorption for all treatments (Kd,app ≤ 3.25 L kg(-1)), but it was higher for tebuthiuron in the clayer soil (LVd). Straw and aging only slightly enhanced sorption. The HA effects were not clear. Sorption was mostly affected by herbicide and soil type. Straw may promote physical trapping (∼40% of applied amount), which cannot be accessed by "batch" sorption (∼15% of the applied amount is sorbed), attenuating leaching of highly mobile herbicides in green-cane systems. To properly assess leaching through straw residues under laboratory condition, rainfall distribution is very important.

Comparison of various advanced oxidation processes for the degradation of phenylurea herbicides

Various types of advanced oxidation processes (AOPs), such as UV photolysis, ozonation, heterogeneous photocatalysis and their combinations were comparatively examined at the same energy input in a home-made reactor. The oxidative transformations of the phenylurea herbicides fenuron, monuron and diuron were investigated. The initial rates of transformation demonstrated that UV photolysis was highly efficient in the cases of diuron and monuron. Ozonation proved to be much more effective in the transformation of fenuron than in those of the chlorine containing monuron and diuron. In heterogeneous photocatalysis, the rate of decomposition decreased with increase of the number of chlorine atoms in the target molecule. Addition of ozone to UV-irradiated solutions and/or TiO2-containing suspensions markedly increased the initial rates of degradation. Dehalogenation of monuron and diuron showed that each of these procedures is suitable for the simultaneous removal of chlorinated pesticides and their chlorinated intermediates. Heterogeneous photocatalysis was found to be effective in the mineralization.

[Investigation of the Interaction between 1,3-Dimethylurea and Solvent by Raman Methods]

Urea family plays significant role in the bio-science area. Because of the unique frame, they can form Hydrogen bond with water as well as other substance. Hydrogen bonds are normal weak interactions in the system of bio-molecules. A Raman spectrum is the most powerful method to obscure the Hydrogen bond interaction between molecules. Initially, we measure the Raman spectra of DMU crystal, and then use density function theory with a B3LYP/6-311G* * basis set to optimize the geometry structure and calculate the vibrational frequency of gas phase DMU, which assigns the Raman pecks. Then, measure the solvent. When dissolving DMU in water, the interaction between DMU-DMU will replaced by the interaction between water-DMU. The orbital hybridization of nitrogen atoms changes from the solid-state the sp' orbital hybridization to sp3. So, the frame of this molecule goes from in-planet to out of plant during this process.

Effects of soil attributes and straw accumulation on the sorption of hexazinone and tebuthiuron in tropical soils cultivated with sugarcane

Brazil is the largest sugarcane producer in the world in which hexazinone (3-cyclohexyl-6-dimethylamino-1-methyl-1,3,5-triazine-2,4-dione) and tebuthiuron (1-(5-tert-butyl-1,3,4-thiadiazol-2-yl)-1,3-dimethylurea) are heavily used. Sugarcane harvesting is changing from the manual system with previous straw burning to the mechanized system without straw burning. The lack of burning results in soil organic carbon accumulation mainly in clayey soils, which should affect herbicides availability and fate. Therefore, we evaluated sorption of these herbicides in soil samples with and without straw burning. Both herbicides presented low apparent sorption coefficients (mean K(d,app)= 0.6 and 2.4 L kg(-1) for hexazinone and tebuthiuron, respectively), suggesting that they may leach to groundwater. Moreover, their sorption correlated primarily with soil organic carbon (SOC), but iron oxide contents extracted with ammonium oxalate (Fe2O3(AOX)) also affected it (K(d,app) = -0.228 + 0.0397 SOC + 0.117 Fe2O3(AOX) for hexazinone and K(d,app) = -1.407 + 0.201 SOC + 0.348 Fe2O3(AOX) for tebuthiuron). Soil organic carbon accumulation due to straw maintenance in the field positively affected sorption of both herbicides, but its effects were not enough to classify them as "non-leachers."

Phenylurea herbicide sorption to biochars and agricultural soil

Biochar is increasingly been used as a soil amendment to improve water-holding capacity, reduce nutrient leaching, increase soil pH, and also as a means to reduce contamination through sorption of heavy metals or organic pollutants. The sorption behavior of three phenylurea herbicides (monuron, diuron and linuron) on five biochars (Enhanced Biochar, Hog Waste, Turkey Litter, Walnut Shell and Wood Feedstock) and an agricultural soil (Yolo silt loam) was investigated using a batch equilibration method. Sorption isotherms of herbicides to biochars were well described by the Freundlich model (R(2) = 0.93-0.97). The adsorption KF values ranged from 6.94 to 1306.95 mg kg(-1) and indicated the sorption of herbicides in the biochars and Yolo soil was in the sequence of linuron > diuron > monuron and walnut shell biochar > wood feedstock biochar > turkey litter biochar > enhanced biochar > hog waste biochar > Yolo soil. These data show that sorption of herbicides to biochar can have both positive (reduced off-site transport) and negative (reduced herbicide efficacy) implications and specific biochar properties, such as H/C ratio and surface area, should be considered together with soil type, agriculture chemical and climate condition in biochar application to agricultural soil to optimize the system for both agricultural and environmental benefits.

Minimization of methabenzthiazuron residues in leaching water using amended soils and photocatalytic treatment with TiO2 and ZnO

In the present work, potential groundwater pollution by methabenzthiazuron (MTBU) and the effect of three different amendments (composted sheep manure, composted pine bark and spent coffee grounds) on its mobility were investigated under laboratory conditions. The efficiency of ZnO and TiO2 suspensions in the photocatalytic degradation of MTBU in leaching water was also investigated. The relative and cumulative breakthrough curves were obtained from disturbed soil columns. The presence and/or addition of organic matter drastically reduced the movement of the herbicide. On other hand, photocatalytic experiments showed that the addition of ZnO and TiO2 strongly enhances the degradation rate of this herbicide compared with the results of photolytic experiments under artificial light. ZnO appeared to be more effective in MTBU oxidation than TiO2. The results obtained point to the interest of using organic wastes and heterogeneous photocatalysis for reducing the pollution of groundwater by pesticide drainage.

Theoretical and experimental vibrational study of the phenyl urea herbicide 1-(4-bromo-3-chlorophenyl)-3-methoxy-3-methylurea

FT-Raman and IR spectra of the herbicidal compound chlorbromuron have been recorded and analyzed. The detailed interpretation of the vibrational spectra has been carried out with the aid of normal coordinate analysis (NCA) following the scaled quantum mechanical force field methodology. The various intramolecular interactions which are responsible for the stabilization of the molecule were revealed by natural bond orbital analysis. The Mulliken population analysis on atomic charges and the HOMO-LUMO energy were also calculated. The presence of strong NH⋯O intermolecular hydrogen bonding was clearly exposed from the IR spectrum by the red shifting of NH stretching wavenumber.

Utilization of wheat straw for the preparation of coated controlled-release fertilizer with the function of water retention

With the aim of improving fertilizer use efficiency and minimizing the negative impact on the environment, a new coated controlled-release fertilizer with the function of water retention was prepared. A novel low water solubility macromolecular fertilizer, poly(dimethylourea phosphate) (PDUP), was "designed" and formulated from N,N'-dimethylolurea (DMU) and potassium dihydrogen phosphate. Simultaneously, an eco-friendly superabsorbent composite based on wheat straw (WS), acrylic acid (AA), 2-acryloylamino-2-methyl-1-propanesulfonic acid (AMPS), and N-hydroxymethyl acrylamide (NHMAAm) was synthesized and used as the coating to control the release of nutrient. The nitrogen release profile and water retention capacity of the product were also investigated. The degradation of the coating material in soil solution was studied. Meanwhile, the impact of the content of N-hydroxymethyl acrylamide on the degradation extent was examined. The experimental data showed that the product with good water retention and controlled-release capacities, being economical and eco-friendly, could be promising for applications in agriculture and horticulture.

A comparative study of the electrochemical oxidation of the herbicide tebuthiuron using boron-doped diamond electrodes

The thiadiazolylurea derivative tebuthiuron (TBH) is commonly used as an herbicide even though it is highly toxic to humans. While various processes have been proposed for the removal of organic contaminants of this type from wastewater, electrochemical degradation has shown particular promise. The aim of the present study was to investigate the electrochemical degradation of TBH using anodes comprising boron-doped (5000 and 30,000 ppm) diamond (BDD) films deposited onto Ti substrates operated at current densities in the range 10-200 mA cm(-2). Both anodes removed TBH following a similar pseudo first-order reaction kinetics with k(app) close to 3.2 × 10(-2) min(-1). The maximum mineralization efficiency obtained was 80%. High-pressure liquid chromatography with UV-VIS detection established that both anodes degraded TBH via similar intermediates. Ion chromatography revealed that increasing concentrations of nitrate ions (up to 0.9 ppm) were formed with increasing current density, while the formation of nitrite ions was observed with both anodes at current densities ≥ 150 mA cm(-2). The BDD film prepared at the lower doping level (5000 ppm) was more efficient in degrading TBH than its more highly doped counterpart. This unexpected finding may be explained in terms of the quantity of impurities incorporated into the diamond lattice during chemical vapor deposition.

Diastereocontrolled construction of pactamycin's complex ureido triol functional array

An advanced intermediate in a projected synthesis of pactamycin has been prepared. Early installation of the C1-dimethylurea functionality allows for its participation in a diastereoselective, chelation-controlled addition of organometal nucleophiles to the C5 prochiral ketone. Four of the molecule's six stereocenters are set with a ketone functional handle provided for subsequent manipulation.

Aging of methabenzthiazuron, imidacloprid, and N,N-dimethylsulfamide in silty soils and effects on sorption and dissipation

Differences in soil properties can influence the fate of plant protection agents in the environment. The present study aims to investigate the sorption behavior and related aging processes of imidacloprid (IMI; insecticide), methabenzthiazuron (MBT; herbicide), and N,N-dimethylsulfamide (DMSA; degradate of the fungicide tolylfluanid) in six soils of silty texture but otherwise varying properties. The sorption behavior of these ¹⁴C-labeled compounds exhibiting different physicochemical properties was characterized by applying a three-step sequential extraction procedure. After 119 d, MBT revealed strongest sorption (K'(tot) 47.4-200.4 L/kg), followed by IMI (K'(tot) 11.7-30.6 L/kg), and DMSA with K'(tot) close to zero. Aged sorption factors (AFs) were calculated to characterize aging processes over time exhibiting a 2.6-3.5-fold (IMI), a 1.8-4.5-fold (MBT), and no (DMSA) increase of sorbed amounts within 84 d. Sorption and aging varied widely in the group of silty soils, which differed with respect to organic matter content, C/N-ratio, and microbial soil parameters. The time-dependent increase of adsorption of MBT and IMI was more pronounced in those soils that had a lower organic carbon and low microbial biomass content. Concomitantly, MBT and IMI degradation decelerated, presumably because of aged sorption at inner binding sites leading to a lower accessibility. In contrast, in the soils with a higher organic carbon content a strong initial (but later still reversible) sorption of MBT and IMI, occurring presumably at outer surface sites, reduced the extent of time-dependent diffusion toward inner binding sites.

Photocatalytic oxidation of monuron in the suspension of WO3 under the irradiation of UV-visible light

A comprehensive study of the degradation of monuron, one of the phenylurea herbicides, was conducted by UV-Vis/WO(3) process. It was found that hydroxyl radicals played a major role in the decay of monuron while other radicals (e.g. superoxide) and hole might also contribute to the decomposition of monuron. The oxidation path likely plays a major role in the generation of hydroxyl radicals. The effects of initial pH level, initial concentration of monuron, and inorganic oxidants on the performance of UV-Vis/WO(3) process were also investigated and optimized. Comparison between monuron decay pathways by UV-Vis/WO(3) and UV/TiO(2) was conducted. The decay mechanisms, including N-terminus demethylation, dechlorination and direct hydroxylation on benzene ring, were observed to be involved in the oxidation of monuron in these two processes. Sixteen intermediates were identified during the photodegradation of monuron and degradation pathways were proposed accordingly.

Comparative sorption and leaching study of the herbicides fluometuron and 4-chloro-2-methylphenoxyacetic acid (MCPA) in a soil amended with biochars and other sorbents

Biochar, the solid residual remaining after the thermochemical transformation of biomass for carbon sequestration, has been proposed to be used as a soil amendment, because of its agronomic benefits. The effect of amending soil with six biochars made from different feedstocks on the sorption and leaching of fluometuron and 4-chloro-2-methylphenoxyacetic acid (MCPA) was compared to the effect of other sorbents: an activated carbon, a Ca-rich Arizona montmorillonite modified with hexadecyltrimethylammonium organic cation (SA-HDTMA), and an agricultural organic residue from olive oil production (OOW). Soil was amended at 2% (w/w), and studies were performed following a batch equilibration procedure. Sorption of both herbicides increased in all amended soils, but decreased in soil amended with a biochar produced from macadamia nut shells made with fast pyrolysis. Lower leaching of the herbicides was observed in the soils amended with the biochars with higher surface areas BC5 and BC6 and the organoclay (OCl). Despite the increase in herbicide sorption in soils amended with two hardwood biochars (BC1 and BC3) and OOW, leaching of fluometuron and MCPA was enhanced with the addition of these amendments as compared to the unamended soil. The increased leaching is due to some amendments' soluble organic compounds, which compete or associate with herbicide molecules, enhancing their soil mobility. Thus, the results indicate that not all biochar amendments will increase sorption and decrease leaching of fluometuron and MCPA. Furthermore, the amount and composition of the organic carbon (OC) content of the amendment, especially the soluble part (DOC), can play an important role in the sorption and leaching of these herbicides.

Efficient degradation of methabenzthiazuron photoinduced by decatungstate anion in water: kinetics and mechanistic studies

This study concerns the elimination of methabenzthiazuron (MBTU) photocatalysed by sodium decatungstate salts W10O32(4-)·(DTA) in aqueous solution under irradiation at 365 nm. Ninety percentage of MBTU (10(-4) M) is mineralised in the presence of the photocatalyst (2×10(-4) M) after 7 d under exposure and the formation of nitrate, sulphate and ammonium confirmed this phenomenon. In aerated conditions, the photodegradation rate of MBTU clearly increased in the presence of DTA by a factor of 40 when compared to direct photolysis with ΦMBTU=2.5×10(-2) and t1/2 (MBTU)=1.4 h. Oxygen appeared essential since 2 times inhibition of MBTU disappearance and the photocatalytic cycle interrupt were observed in the absence of oxygen. The degradation mechanism has been elucidated through the photoproducts identification by LC-ESI-MS analysis. Two processes were implied in the degradation: electron transfer and H atom abstraction reactions both involving W10O32(4-∗) excited state species. In the primary steps of the degradation, the aromatic ring hydroxylation was observed by electron transfer leading to OH-MBTU isomers and H atom abstraction reaction gave benzthiazuron and a supposed demethylated product. Secondary oxidations permitted the hydroxylation of both products.

Cytotoxic constituents from the skin of the toad Bufo bufo gargarizans

To study the chemical composition of the skin of Bufo bufo gargarizans, various chromatographic methods were used in the isolation procedures and the structures of isolated compounds were determined based on NMR and MS analysis. As a result, two new compounds were isolated from its ethanolic extract and characterized as N-[2-hydroxy-2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)ethyl]-N-methylurea (1) and 19-oxocinobufotalin 3-adipoylarginine ester (2), together with 11 known compounds. Isolated bufadienolides showed significant inhibition effect against human hepatocellular carcinoma cell line SMMC-7721 in vitro.

Organoclays as soil amendments to increase the efficacy and reduce the environmental impact of the herbicide fluometuron in agricultural soils

The use of pesticides in agriculture has become a source of pollution of soil and water in the last decades. Extensive pesticide transport losses due to leaching and runoff produce nonpoint source contamination of soils and water. One of the soil processes that reduce pesticide transport losses is adsorption by soil particles; therefore, enhancement of pesticide retention by soil can be used as a strategy to attenuate the environmental impact of pesticides. In this work, organoclays were prepared by treating Wyoming montmorillonite (SWy-2) and Arizona montmorillonite (SAz-1) with different organic cations and were assayed as soil amendments to enhance the retention and reduce the leaching losses of the herbicide fluometuron [N,N-dimethyl-N'-[3-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl] urea] in soils. Two agricultural soils from Southern Spain were selected for being high-risk scenarios of ground and surface water contamination. First, a batch adsorption study was conducted to identify organoclays with high affinity for fluometuron. Among the different organoclays assayed, spermine-treated Wyoming montmorillonite (SW-SPERM) displayed high and reversible adsorption of fluometuron and was selected as an amendment for subsequent persistence, leaching, and herbicidal activity experiments of fluometuron with unamended and amended soils. Amendment of the soils with SW-SPERM at rates of 1%, 2%, and 5% greatly enhanced fluometuron retention by the soils and retarded fluometuron leaching through soil columns. Incubation experiments revealed that the persistence of the herbicide in the amended soils was similar to that in unamended soils and that most of the herbicide was ultimately available for degradation. Bioassays demonstrated that the reduced leaching losses of fluometuron in soils amended with SW-SPERM may result in increased herbicide efficacy if heavy rainfall events occur shortly after herbicide application.

Fate of two herbicides in zero-tension lysimeters and in field soil

In Germany, zero-tension lysimeters are used as part of the registration requirements in case pesticides pose a potential threat to contaminate the groundwater. However, the water regime and the method of pesticide sampling differ between the lysimeters and the field. We monitored the transport of the two herbicides ethidimuron [1-(5- ethylsulfonyl-1,3,4-thiadiazol-2-yl)-1,3-dimethylurea] (ETD) and methabenzthiazuron [1-benzothiazol-2-yl-1,3-dimethyl-urea] (MBT) and their main metabolite, accompanied with bromide as conservative tracer, in zero-tension lysimeters filled with undisturbed soil and in the field. The herbicides were applied as a short pulse to the bare soil surface. Herbicide concentrations were analyzed in the drainage water of the 1.2-m-deep lysimeters and from soil cores taken from the field during six campaigns. Soil coring in the field emphasized matrix flow and allowed us to estimate the field-based dissipation and sorption parameters. Based on mass recovery calculations, the field fate half-life was 870 d for ETD compared with 389 d for its main metabolite. The initially fast field-based dissipation of MBT with a half-life value of approximately 1 mo was followed by a much slower dissipation. The retardation factor was estimated from the concentration profiles by inversely solving the convection-dispersion equation and yielded 18.2 +/- 1.3 for ETD and 36.9 +/- 17.5 for MBT. For the lysimeters, a leaching period of 2 1/2 yr was too short to monitor bulk herbicide mass through the soil matrix. Only 1.7% of the applied EDT and 1.4% of the applied MBT were sampled in the drainage water at 1.2 m depth. Despite contrasting sorption and dissipation properties, both herbicides appeared fast and at the same time in the drainage water, hinting at preferential flow phenomena. Compared with field fate of herbicides measured by soil coring, zero-potential lysimeters emphasize the transport of small amounts of herbicides triggered by preferential flow events.

Photo-Fenton degradation of the herbicide tebuthiuron under solar irradiation: iron complexation and initial intermediates

The complexation of iron ions with the herbicide tebuthiuron (TBH), during a solar photo-Fenton process, was investigated using cyclic voltammetry with a glassy carbon electrode. An oxidation peak was observed at +0.64 V after addition of Fe(NO(3))(3) to TBH solution, indicating the formation of a Fe-TBH complex, which was not observed in the presence of ferrioxalate or citrate complexes. This complexation hinders photoreduction of Fe(III), and consequently TBH degradation. The main degradation route, in the presence or absence of citric acid (in the latter case with Fe(NO(3))(3) only), is initiated by the hydroxylation of a terminal methyl group of the urea, indicating an identical degradation mechanism. Hydroxylation of the central methyl of urea, and of the tert-butyl group, was also observed after extended irradiation periods in the presence of citric acid, but was not observed in the presence of Fe(NO(3))(3), due to a slower degradation rate in the absence of the citrate complex. No intermediate, generated from opening of the thiadiazole ring, was identified under the various different conditions.

Assessing the toxicity of herbicide isoproturon on Aporrectodea caliginosa (Oligochaeta) and its fate in soil ecosystem

This study was conducted to determine the residues of isoproturon and its metabolites, 1-(4-isopropylphenyl)-3-methylurea, 1-(4-isopropylphenyl) urea, and 4-isopropylanilin in soil and mature earthworms under laboratory conditions. Mature earthworms (Aporrectodea caliginosa) were exposed for various durations (7, 15, 30, and 60 days) to soils contaminated with isoproturon concentrations (2, 4, 6, 8, and 10 mg kg(-1) soil). The decrease in isoproturon concentration in the soil was inversely correlated to it's initial concentration. The highest concentration detected for isoproturon in earthworms was observed during the first 15 days and decreased thereafter. Acute toxicity of isoproturon was investigated; total soluble protein content and glycogen of the worms were evaluated. Levels of these parameters were related to isoproturon concentration in soil and earthworms. No lethal effect of isoproturon was observed even at the concentration of 1200 mg kg(-1) soil after 60 days of exposure. A reduction of total soluble protein was observed in all treated worms (maximum 59.54%). This study suggests the use of the total soluble protein content and glycogen of earthworms as biomarkers of exposure to isoproturon.

Leaching of Diuron, Linuron and their main metabolites in undisturbed field lysimeters

The increasing use of pesticides in Morocco raises the potential risk of groundwater contamination, notably in the Gharb area, which has a shallow groundwater table. Thus, the leaching of two phenyl-ureas, diuron and linuron and their metabolites through undisturbed soil columns was studied under outdoor conditions. The soil chosen is a loamy clay soil, representative of the Gharb agricultural area. After four irrigation events were applied from 31/03/2005 to 15/05/2005, leachates contained higher amounts of linuron (from 0.08% to 6.96% of applied linuron) than diuron (from 0% to 0.27%). The greater mobility of linuron might be related to its higher water solubility (64 mg x L(- 1) compared with 42 mg x L(- 1) for diuron) and smaller adsorption coefficient (K(oc) of 400 L x kg(- 1), compared with 480 L x kg(- 1) for diuron). Concerning their metabolites, greater amounts of, N'-(3,4-dichlorophenyl)-N, (DCPMU) than N'-3,4-dichlorophenylurea (DCPU) were detected N-dimethylurea in the percolates, from 0% to 0.046% and from 0% to 0.008%, respectively. At the end of the monitoring period, more linuron residues than diuron residues were recovered in the soil profiles, 25.02% and 16.41%, respectively. The diuron residues were found mainly in the 0-20 cm soil layer, whereas linuron residues reached the 20-40 cm soil layer. Under such experimental conditions, linuron leaching, and thus its potential to contaminate groundwater, is greater than that of diuron.

Chlorbromuron urea herbicide removal by electro-Fenton reaction in aqueous effluents

The removal of low concentration of chlorbromuron herbicide in aqueous systems was carried out by electro-Fenton process comprised of three-electrode divided and undivided cell with a reticulated vitreous carbon cathode and platinum anode. The electro-Fenton was also carried out in a two-electrode undivided cell in which ferrous ion forms from a sacrificial iron anode. It was observed that the total organic carbon (TOC) removal efficiency was influenced by the cell voltage, the pH of the solution and initial herbicide concentration during the electro-Fenton treatment with a stainless steel anode. The Fe(2+)/Fe(3+) activity in the Fenton chemistry (regardless if it is hydroxyl radical or ferryl ion) was improved by the electrochemical catalysis leading to a TOC analysis below the detection limit (0.2 mg l(-1)) corresponding to a TOC removal over 98%. It was found that TOC removal during chlorbromuron degradation followed apparent first order kinetics. The rate constant was increased by decreasing the initial concentration of chlorbromuron.

The effect of vegetation on pesticide dissipation from ponded treatment wetlands: quantification using a simple model

Field data shows that plants accelerate pesticide dissipation from aquatic systems by increasing sedimentation, biofilm contact and photolysis. In this study, a graphical model was constructed and calibrated with site-specific and supplementary data to describe the loss of two pesticides, endosulfan and fluometuron, from a vegetated and a non-vegetated pond. In the model, the major processes responsible for endosulfan dissipation were alkaline hydrolysis and sedimentation, with the former process being reduced by vegetation and the latter enhanced. Fluometuron dissipation resulted primarily from biofilm reaction and photolysis, both of which were increased by vegetation. Here, greater photolysis under vegetation arose from faster sedimentation and increased light penetration, despite shading. Management options for employing constructed wetlands to polish pesticide-contaminated agricultural runoff are discussed. The lack of easily fulfilled sub-models and data describing the effect of aquatic vegetation on water chemistry and sedimentation is also highlighted.

First synthesis of tepidopterin [2'-O-(2-acetamido-2-deoxy-beta-d-glucopyranosyl)-L-threo-biopterin]

N(2)-(N,N-Dimethylaminomethylene)-1'-O-(4-methoxybenzyl)-3-[2-(4-nitrophenyl)ethyl]-L-threo-biopterin (14) was prepared from L-xylose in an 11-step-sequence. The first synthesis of tepidopterin (3) was achieved by treatment of 14 with 3,4,6-tri-O-acetyl-2-deoxy-2-phthalimido-beta-D-glucopyranosyl bromide in the presence of silver triflate and tetramethylurea, followed by removal of the protecting groups.

Photolysis of fluometuron in the presence of natural water constituents

Phototransformation of the herbicide fluometuron (1 microM) in natural sunlight was investigated in neutral Milli-Q water and in synthetic waters containing either fulvic acids, nitrate ions or both in order to mimic reactions taking place in aquatic environments. Fluometuron degradation followed a pseudo-first order kinetics. The reaction was faster in synthetic than in Milli-Q water. Fulvic acids (10 mg l(-1)) increased the rate of fluometuron photolysis by a factor 2.5 and nitrates (25 mg l(-1)) by a factor 15. Identification of major photoproducts was conducted under laboratory conditions using LC-ESI-MS. Numerous photoproducts were detected and tentatively characterized. In the presence of nitrates, hydroxylation of the aromatic ring with or without hydrolysis of CF(3) into CO(2)H and oxidation of the urea chain leading to demethylation were observed. In the presence of fulvic acids, hydroxylation of the aromatic ring was the major reaction route.

Observation of immobilized water molecules around hydrophobic groups

We have used femtosecond midinfrared spectroscopy to study the orientational mobility of water molecules in the hydration shells of hydrophobic groups. Our results show that hydrophobic groups are surrounded by a number of water molecules that display much slower orientational dynamics than the bulk liquid and that are therefore effectively immobilized. It turns out that each methyl group is surrounded by four immobilized water OH groups.

Leaching and half-life of the herbicide tebuthiuron on a recharge area of Guarany aquifer in sugarcane fields in Brazil

This study was undertaken to evaluate the degradation and mobility of the herbicide tebuthiuron (N-[5-(1,1-dimethylethyl)-1,3,4-thiadiazol-2-yl]-N,N'-dimethylurea) in soil under field conditions, and its potential for leaching and groundwater contamination. A watershed, Espraiado, located over a recharge area in Brazil, was chosen for soil and water studies. At Espraiado, water samples were collected from seven wells at intervals of three months from March 2004 to June 2006 and analyzed for tebuthiuron. Other samples were taken from city wells located outside of the recharge area. To assess the potential movement to the aquifer, tebuthiuron was also applied to trial plots at the recommended label rate of 1.0 kg/ha a.i. in May of 2004, with and without sugarcane coverage, on sandy soil. Soil samples were collected during the years of 2004 and 2005, at depths intervals of 20 cm from soil surface down to 120 cm and analyzed for tebuthiuron at zero, 3, 30, 60, 90, 120, 150, 180, 240, and 300 days after application. There was no clear effect of sugarcane coverage on the tebuthiuron degradation in soils, but it moved faster into the soil where there was no cover. After 180 days there were no measurable residues in the soil, and tebuthiuron was not found below 40 cm depth in any time. Tebuthiuron had a half-life of 20 days under those conditions. No tebuthiuron residue was found in ground water samples at any sampling time.

Selection of supported cobalt substrates in the presence of oxone for the oxidation of monuron

The immobilization of cobalt ion on different media to catalyze oxone has been investigated. A probe herbicide, Monuron, was effectively degraded by using Co2+/oxone systems. For Co2+ supported on zeolite, 100% of Monuron could be removed within a 10 min reaction time. However, the recycling of the spent Co-zeolite catalyst using various posttreatments did not give a promising result. This is likely because the zeolite particles in solution have blocked and significantly attenuated the incident UV light from reducing Co3+ to Co2+. On the contrary, the use of cationic resin has minimized these problems. In the process of Co-resin/oxone/UV, faster Monuron decay could be achieved than that in the dark reaction. In the presence of UV, a significant drop of total organic carbon (TOC) was also observed in this approach suggesting an effective and clean process for Monuron mineralization.

Degradation and sorption of fluometuron and metabolites in conservation tillage soils

Soil sorption and dissipation of fluometuron (FLM) and three metabolites, desmethyl fluometuron (DMF), trifluoromethyl phenyl urea (TFMPU), and trifluoromethyl aniline (TFMA), were assessed in conservation tillage soils. In study I, surface Dundee silt loam soils from no-tillage (NT) and reduced-tillage (RT) areas were treated with 14C ring-labeled FLM or TFMA or unlabeled DMF, incubated for 34-42 days, extracted, and analyzed. Mineralization and volatilization of 14C-labeled FLM or TFMA were monitored. In study II, batch sorption assays (solute concentrations 2-50 micromol L-1; 2:1 solution:soil; 18 h) were conducted using various soils from reduced- (RT) and conventional-tillage (CT) areas to determine the relative affinity of FLM and metabolites for soils with differing characteristics. Mineralization of FLM (3%, day 42) or TFMA (4%, day 34) and FLM volatilization (approximately 2%) were low for both soils. FLM and DMF dissipated more rapidly in RT soil than in NT soil. In FLM-treated RT soil, DMF and TFMPU accumulated more rapidly than in NT as FLM degraded. TFMA dissipated rapidly, primarily as nonextractable residues (approximately 70%, day 42) and volatilization (approximately 16%). For all respective soils in study II, sorption of all four compounds was higher for organic C-enriched RT soils than for CT soils, indicating strong relationships between organic C and FLM and metabolite sorption. For either tillage treatment, the percentage sorption was greater for metabolites (e.g., at lowest initial dosing concentration, TFMPU range, 45-91%; DMF range, 45-90%; and TFMA range, 45-98%) than for FLM (RT soils range, 19-65%). Nonsubstituted amino groups likely facilitated sorption to organic C, with nonsubstituted aniline in TFMA having the greatest affinity. NMR spectra of humic acid extracts from NT and CT Dundee soils indicated similar patterns of humic acid functional groups, but the potential capacity for sorption was greater in NT than in CT. The greater capacity for FLM and metabolite sorption in NT soil helps explain their longer persistence.

Relative quantification of tau-related peptides using guanidino-labeling derivatization (GLaD) with online-LC on a hybrid ion trap (IT) time-of-flight (ToF) mass spectrometer

Development of a quantification method based on isotopic variants of O-methyl isourea (OMIU) in conjunction with reversed-phase (RP) liquid chromatography (LC) electrospray mass spectrometry is described for determining the relative quantification of tau-related peptides Ac-VQIVXK-NH2. Extracted ion chromatograms of the mass spectrometric data derived from online microcapillary LC separation identifies the retention times of the isotopically derivatized peptides together with their ion abundances. Data-dependent MSMS analysis of both derivatized variants of the same peptide provides a complementary method for identification and resolution between isobaric species. In addition, with respect to offline LC MALDI a larger number of analogues are detected and formation of amyloid is also observed for the aspartic acid and histidine-containing peptides.

Approach for determining protein ubiquitination sites by MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry

Protein ubiquitination plays an important role in the degradation and other functional regulation of cellular proteins in organisms ranging from yeasts to mammals. Trypsin digestion of ubiquitin conjugated proteins produces diglycine branched peptides in which the C-terminal Gly-Gly fragment of ubiquitin is attached to the epsilon-amino group of a modified lysine residue within the peptide. This provides a platform for mapping ubiquitination sites using mass spectrometry. Here we report the development of a novel strategy for determining posttraslational protein ubiquitination based on the N-terminal sulfonation of diglycine branched peptides. In contrast to conventional tandem MS spectra of native tryptic peptides, MALDI MS/MS analysis of a sulfonated tryptic peptide containing a diglycine branch generates a unique spectrum composed of a signature portion and a sequence portion. The signature portion of the spectrum consists of several intense ions resulting from the elimination of the tags, the N-terminal residues at the peptide and the branch, and their combination. This unique ion distribution pattern can distinguish ubiquitination modificatons from others and can identify the first N-terminal residues of the peptides as well. The sequence portion consists of an exclusive series of y-type ions and y' ions (differing by the loss of one glycine residue from the sulfonated diglycine branch) that can directly reveal the amino acid sequence of the peptide and the precise location of the ubiquitination site. The technique is demonstrated for a series of synthetic peptides and is validated by a model protein, tetraubiquitin. Our results show that the MALDI MS/MS analysis of sulfonated tryptic peptides can provide a highly effective method for the determination of ubiquitination substrates, ubiquitination sites on protein targets, and modification sites on ubiquitins themselves.

Photo-induced Fluorescence of Fluometuron in a Continuous-flow Multicommutation Assembly

This paper deals with the photo-induced fluorimetric determination of the herbicide Fluometuron with the aid of a continuous-flow assembly of the emergent and new methodology known as Multicommutation which was provided with an on-line photoreactor. Maximum fluorescence intensity was observed at basic pH solutions, 1x 10(-4) mol l(-1) NaOH, after 1.4 min of irradiation and being the maximum at lambda(exc) 247.0 nm and lambda(em) 325.0 nm. The influence of different experimental parameters either chemical (pH, surfactants presence, solvent polarity and temperature) or hydrodynamic (time of photo-degradation, size and number of different segments and flow-rate) was tested. The linear dynamic range was from 0.01 to 4.0 mg l(-1) of Fluometuron; the inter-day reproducibility (as R.S.D.) of the slope was 0.001% and 1.7% from the peaks intra-day reproducibility. A large series of potential interferents was studied and finally the method was applied to human urine, soil, formulation and water samples.

Potential application of urea-derived herbicides as cytokinins in plant tissue culture

Various urea-derived herbicides and different cytokinin analogues were used to determine their effects on callusing response and shoot regenerating capacity of alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) and Coleus (Coleus forskohlii Briq.). The herbicides monuron and diuron evoked profuse callusing response from Coleus leaf segments and alfalfa petiole explants on Murashige and Skoog medium. Shoot regeneration by monuron (2.0 mg/l) showed a maximum of 3 multiple shoots both in alfalfa and Coleus with a frequency of 92% and 75%, respectively. Whereas diuron (0.5 mg/l) showed a high frequency of shoot regeneration (89%)with a mean number of 5 shoots in alfalfa, in C.forskohlii, the frequency of regeneration was 90%with a mean number of 6 shoots. Diuron with two chloride groups in the phenyl ring showed significantly higher cytokinin-like activity than single chloride substitution monuron. This study demonstrates the potential use of monuron and diuron as cytokinins in plant tissue culture.

Solvent-induced lysozyme gels: rheology, fractal analysis, and sol-gel kinetics

In this work, the gelation kinetics and fractal character of lysozyme gel matrices developed in tetramethylurea (TMU)-water media were investigated. Gelation times were determined from the temporal crossover point between the storage, G', and loss, G'', moduli, as a function of the binary solvent composition and of protein concentration. The inverse dependence of the upper limit of the linear viscoelastic region (gamma0) on protein concentration indicate that the lysozyme gels belong to the "strong link" kind, a gel category where interparticle links are stronger than intraparticle ones. Lysozyme gel fractal dimensions (Df) were determined from the analysis of rheological data according to a scaling theory by Shih et al. [Phys. Rev. A 42 (1990) 4772-4779] and were found to be compatible with a diffusion-limited cluster-aggregation kinetics (DLCA) for lysozyme gels formed at the TMU mass fraction in the binary organic-aqueous solvent, wTMU=0.9, and with a reaction-limited cluster aggregation kinetics (RLCA) for wTMU in the 0.6< or =wTMU< or =0.8 range.

Simultaneous determination of ethidimuron, methabenzthiazuron, and their two major degradation products in soil

An analytical method has been developed for the quantification of two herbicides (ethidimuron and methabenzthiazuron) and their two main soil derivatives. This method involves fluidized-bed extraction (FBE) prior to cleanup and analysis by reverse-phase liquid chromatography with UV detection at 282 nm. FBE conditions were established to provide efficient extraction without degradation of the four analytes. (14)C-labeled compounds were used for the optimization of extraction and purification steps and for the determination of related efficiencies. Extraction was optimal using a fexIKA extractor operating at 110 degrees C for three cycles (total time = 95 min) with 75 g of soil and 150 mL of a 60:40 v/v acetone/water mixture. Extracts were further purified on a 500 mg silica SPE cartridge. Separation was performed on a C18 Purosphere column (250 mm x 4 mm i.d.), at 0.8 mL min(-1) and 30 degrees C with an elution gradient made up of phosphoric acid aqueous solution (pH 2.2) and acetonitrile. Calibration curves were found to be linear in the 0.5-50 mg L(-1) concentration range. Besides freshly spiked soil samples, method validation included the analysis of samples with aged residues. Recovery values, determined from spiked samples, were close to 100%. Limits of detection ranged between 2 and 3 microg kg(-1) of dry soil and limits of quantification between 8 and 10 microg kg(-1) of dry soil. An attempt to improve these performances by using fluorescence detection following postcolumn derivatization by orthophthalaldehyde-mercaptoethanol reagent was unsuccessful.

Comparison of advanced oxidation processes and identification of monuron photodegradation products in aqueous solution

The photodegradation of monuron (3-(4-chlorophenyl)-1,1-dimethylurea) in aqueous solutions under simulated solar irradiation has been conducted by different advanced oxidation processes (UV/H(2)O(2), UV/H(2)O(2)/Fe(2+), UV/H(2)O(2)/TiO(2), UV/TiO(2), dark H(2)O(2)/Fe(3+)). The degradation rates were always higher for the homogeneous catalysis in photo-Fenton reactions (UV/H(2)O(2)/Fe(2+)) compared to the heterogeneous photocatalytic systems (TiO(2)/UV and UV/H(2)O(2)/TiO(2)). Optimal concentrations of Fe(2+) and H(2)O(2) for the abatement of the herbicide in the photo-Fenton system were found to be 1 mM Fe(II) and 10 mM H(2)O(2). Several intermediary products were identified using large volume injection micro-liquid chromatography with UV detection (mu-LC-UV), mu-LC-MS and GC-MS techniques and a degradation mechanism has been proposed.

2-(2-Thienyl)-5,6-dihydroxy-4-carboxypyrimidines as inhibitors of the hepatitis C virus NS5B polymerase: discovery, SAR, modeling, and mutagenesis

Infections caused by hepatitis C virus (HCV) are a significant world health problem for which novel therapies are in urgent demand. The polymerase of HCV is responsible for the replication of viral RNA. We recently disclosed dihydroxypyrimidine carboxylates 2 as novel, reversible inhibitors of the HCV NS5B polymerase. This series was further developed into 5,6-dihydroxy-2-(2-thienyl)pyrimidine-4-carboxylic acids such as 34 (EC50 9.3 microM), which now show activity in the cell-based HCV replication assay. The structure-activity relationship of these inhibitors is discussed in the context of their physicochemical properties and of the polymerase crystal structure. We also report the results of mutagenesis experiments which support the proposed binding model, which involves pyrophosphate-like chelation of the active site Mg ions.

Three-component reaction between triphenylphosphine, dialkyl acetylenedicarboxylates and urea or N-methylurea

The stabilized phosphoranes, obtained from the three-component reaction between dialkyl acetylenedicarboxylates and urea or N-methylurea in the presence of triphenylphosphine, undergo a smooth reaction in boiling toluene to produce iminophosphoranes in good yields. Under the same reaction conditions, the phosphorane obtained from N-methylurea and dimethyl acetylenedicarboxylate yields methyl 1-methyl-2,6-dioxo-1,2,3,6-tetrahydro-pyrimidine-4-carboxylate.

Photocatalytic degradation of phenyl-urea herbicides chlortoluron and chloroxuron: characterization of the by-products by liquid chromatography coupled to electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry

The first stages of the photocatalytic degradation of the compounds chlortoluron [3-(3-chloro-4-methylphenyl)-1,1-dimethylurea] and chloroxuron [3-[4-(4-chlorophenoxy)phenyl]-1,1-dimethylurea], belonging to the class of phenyl-urea herbicides, were investigated using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) coupled to electrospray ionization ion trap tandem mass spectrometry (ESI-IT-MS/MS). Degradation was accomplished under solar radiation, using TiO2 embedded into a polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) transparent matrix as a heterogeneous photocatalyst. Aliquots of the chlorinated herbicide solutions were withdrawn at different times and subjected to gradient elution, reversed-phase HPLC separations, specifically optimized to obtain the highest resolution between peaks related to the herbicide degradation by-products. The latter were then investigated using MS detection; in particular, MS/MS measurements were made and structural information was obtained from the interpretation of fragmentation data. Several by-products were identified; the most important ones are hydroxylated compounds arising from the interaction between the two chlorinated herbicides and OH radicals generated at the TiO2 surface under irradiation. Other by-products were generated by slightly different processes, namely demethylation, dearylation and dechlorination, eventually followed by interaction with OH radicals.

Solvent-induced lysozyme gels: Effects of system composition and temperature on structural and dynamic characteristics

The gelation process of lysozyme in water/tetramethylurea in the presence of salt was investigated as a function of temperature and system composition by rheology, infrared spectroscopy, and microcalorimetry. Times and temperatures of gelation were determined from the variation of the storage (G') and loss (G'') moduli. It was found that gelation times follow exponential decays with both protein and tetramethylurea (TMU) concentrations and with temperature. The activation energy for the overall process shows a linear dependence on TMU mass fraction. A strongly increased beta-sheet content and reduced alpha-helix occur with the increase of TMU concentration in the binary solvent. Also, a linear decrease of lysozyme denaturation temperature and enthalpy on TMU concentration is found for the TMU mass fraction up to 0.5, above which no denaturation signal can be detected.

Heterogeneous photocatalysed reaction of three selected pesticide derivatives, propham, propachlor and tebuthiuron in aqueous suspensions of titanium dioxide

Heterogeneous photocatalysed reaction of three selected pesticide derivatives such as propham (1), propachlor (2) and tebuthiuron (3) has been investigated in aqueous suspensions of titanium dioxide by monitoring the change in substrate concentration employing UV Spectroscopic analysis and depletion in Total Organic Carbon (TOC) content as a function of irradiation time. The degradation kinetics was studied under different conditions such as pH, catalyst concentration, substrate concentration, different types of TiO(2) and in the presence of electron acceptors such as hydrogen peroxide (H(2)O(2)), potassium bromate (KBrO(3)) and ammonium persulphate (NH(4))(2)S(2)O(8) besides molecular oxygen. The degradation rates were found to be strongly influenced by all the above parameters. The photocatalyst Degussa P25 was found to be more efficient as compared with other photocatalysts. The pesticide derivative propham (1) was found to degrade faster as compared to propachlor (2) and tebuthiuron (3). An attempt has also been made to identify the products formed during the photooxidation process through GC/MS analysis technique. All the model pollutants showed the formation of several intermediate products, which were identified on the basis of molecular ion and mass spectrometric fragmentation pattern. A probable mechanism for the formation of the products has been proposed.

Phototransformation of methabenthiazuron in the presence of nitrate and nitrite ions

The influence of nitrate and nitrite ions on the degradation of methabenzthiazuron upon irradiation using artificial solar light has been investigated. The rate of degradation of methabenzthiazuron (1 microM) was accelerated by NO3- (0.1 mM) by a factor of 10. The irradiation of methabenzthiazuron (0.1 mM) in the presence of NO3- (1 mM) or NO2- (0.1 mM) yielded numerous intermediary photoproducts. Mineralization was achieved after prolonged exposure. Some were identified with the help of LC-ESI-MS and flow injection APCI-MS techniques. Both oxidations of the aromatic ring and of the urea chain were observed. The former started by hydroxylation of the ring. Further oxidation of the ring led to cleavage of the benzenic ring with formation of dialdehydic, diacidic and anhydric compounds. Complete removal of the lateral urea chain took place subsequently to demethylation of the terminal methyl group and loss of the CO-NH2 group. Nitration was a minor process. This work shows that the photodegradation of methabenzthiazuron in the presence of nitrate or nitrite ions is highly non-specific.

1H NMR study of inclusion compounds of phenylurea derivatives in beta-cyclodextrin

Proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy ((1)H NMR), which has become an important tool for the study "in situ" of beta-cyclodextrin (beta-CD) complexes, was used to study and structurally characterize the inclusion complexes formed between beta-CD and isoproturon, fenuron, monuron and diuron. The high variation of the chemical shifts from the proton located inside the cavity (H-3, H-5 and H-6) coupled with the non variation of the one located outer sphere of the beta-CD (H-1, H-2 and H-4) provided clear evidence of the inclusion phenomena. Two-dimensional rotating frame Overhauser effect spectroscopy (ROESY) experiments were carried out to further support the proposed inclusion mode.

Multivariate analysis of photo-Fenton degradation of the herbicides tebuthiuron, diuron and 2,4-D

The degradation of herbicides in aqueous solution by photo-Fenton process using ferrioxalate complex (FeOx) as source of Fe2+ was evaluated under blacklight irradiation. The commercial products of the herbicides tebuthiuron, diuron and 2,4-D were used. The multivariate analysis, more precisely, the response surface methodology was applied to evaluate the role of FeOx and hydrogen peroxide concentrations as variables in the degradation process, and in particular, to define the concentration ranges that result in the most efficient degradation of the herbicides. The degradation process was evaluated by the determination of the remaining total organic carbon content (TOC), by monitoring the decrease of the concentrations of the original compounds using HPLC and by the chloride ion release in the case of diuron and 2,4-D. Under optimized conditions, 20 min were sufficient to mineralize 93% of TOC from 2,4-D and 90% of diuron, including oxalate. Complete dechlorination of these compounds was achieved after 10 min reaction. It was found that the most recalcitrant herbicide is tebuthiuron, while diuron shows the highest degradability. However, under optimized conditions the initial concentration of tebuthiuron was reduced to less than 15%, while diuron and 2,4-D were reduced to around 2% after only 1 min reaction. Furthermore, it was observed that the ferrioxalate complex plays a more important role than H2O2 in the photodegradation of these herbicides in the ranges of concentrations investigated.

Chromium(V) Peptide Complexes: Synthesis and Spectroscopic Characterization

A series of stable Cr(V) model complexes that mimic the binding of Cr(V) to peptide backbones at the C-terminus of proteins have been prepared for N,N-dimethylurea derivatives of the tripeptides Aib3-DMF, AibLAlaAib-DMF, and AibDAlaAib-DMF (Aib = 2-amino-2-methylpropanoic acid, DMF = N,N-dimethylformamide). The Cr(ll) precursor complexes were synthesized by the initial deprotonation of the amide and acid groups of the peptide ligands in DMF with potassium tert-butoxide in the presence of CrCl2. The Cr(II) intermediates thus formed were then immediately oxidized to Cr(V) using tert-butyl hydroperoxide. Spectroscopic and mass-spectrometric analyses of the Cr(V) complexes showed that a new metal-directed organic transformation of the ligand had occurred. This involved a DMF solvent molecule becoming covalently bound to the amine group of the peptide ligand, yielding a urea group, and a third coordinated deprotonated urea nitrogen donor. A metal-directed oxidative coupling has been proposed as a possible mechanism for the organic transformation. The Cr(V/IV) reduction potential was determined for the three Cr(V) complexes using cyclic voltammetry, and in all cases it was quasi-reversible. These are the first isolated and fully characterized Cr(V) complexes with non-sulfur-containing peptide ligands.