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Anaerobic biotransformation of organoarsenical pesticides monomethylarsonic acid and dimethylarsinic acid

January 1, 2006

Monomethylarsonic acid (MMAV) and dimethylarsinic acid (DMAV) are extensively utilized as pesticides, introducing large quantities of arsenic into the environment. Once released into the environment, these organoarsenicals are subject to microbial reactions. Aerobic biodegradation of MMAV and DMAV has been evaluated, but little is known about their fate in anaerobic environments. The objective of this study was to evaluate the biotransformation of MMAV and DMAV in anaerobic sludge. Biologically mediated conversion occurred under methanogenic or sulfate-reducing conditions but not in the presence of nitrate. Monomethylarsonous acid (MMAIII) was consistently observed as an important metabolite of MMAV degradation, and it was recovered in molar yields ranging from 5 to 47%. The main biotransformation product identified from DMAV metabolism was MMAV, which was recovered in molar yields ranging from 8 to 65%. The metabolites indicate that reduction and demethylation are important steps in the anaerobic bioconversion of MMAV and DMAV, respectively. ?? 2006 American Chemical Society.

Publication Year 2006
Title Anaerobic biotransformation of organoarsenical pesticides monomethylarsonic acid and dimethylarsinic acid
DOI 10.1021/jf053223n
Authors R. Sierra-Alvarez, U. Yenal, J.A. Feld, M. Kopplin, A.J. Gandolfi, J.R. Garbarino
Publication Type Article
Publication Subtype Journal Article
Series Title Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry
Index ID 70030560
Record Source USGS Publications Warehouse