E. Matthus, N. T. Oude, M. Bolte
Jul 1, 1989
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0
Influential Citations
43
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Journal
Water Research
Abstract
Abstract The photodegradation of ferric ethylenediaminetetra(methylenephosphonic acid) (EDTMP) was studied. Irradiation of a 10 −4 M aqueous solution was performed with monochromatic light at 254 and 365 nm. Initial quantum yields were calculated vs chemical actinometry. The degradation process was monitored by the analytical determination of the orthophosphate formed. Examination of the rate and the extent of the photolysis indicated a rapid degradation up to 75% of the organic phosphonates into orthophosphate. A non-chelating, photostable product was formed and identified by GC-MS as N -methylaminomethylenephosphonic acid. The half life in natural waters, calculated for the top layer of the water body and for the average climatical conditions of central Europe, averaged 26 h.