INTERACTION OF DIQUAT AND PARAQUAT WITH HUMIC-ACID AND THE INFLUENCE OF SALT CONCENTRATION AND PH ON THE STRENGTH OF INTERACTION

The interaction of the herbicides diquat and paraquat with humic acid and the influence of various salts and pH on the strength of interaction was studied by charge-transfer chromatography. Interactions between humic acids and both herbicides, probably by complex formation, were confirmed; they were stronger with paraquat than with diquat. The complex formation makes the herbicides more hydrophilic, facilitating their movement on cellulose surface. Salts in the environment significantly decreased the strength of interaction, indicating the hydrophilic character of the interactive forces. The charge of the cation also influenced the strength of interaction whereas the effect of ion radii was negligible. The effect of pH was lower than that of salt concentration.