OZONATION BY-PRODUCTS OF ATRAZINE IN SYNTHETIC AND NATURAL-WATERS

The primary ozonation byproducts of atrazine [2-chloro-4-(ethylamino)-6-(isopropylamino)-s-triazine] were determined in natural and synthetic waters with a maximum initial atrazine concentration of 15 mug/L. Deethylatrazine [2-amino-4-chloro-6-(isopropylamino)-s-triazine] was the primary byproduct under almost all conditions, with up to seven other degradation products being detected at various conditions. Experiments conducted under conditions which inhibited the autodecomposition of ozone to the hydroxyl radical (e.g., low pH and high alkalinity), produced primarily dealkylation byproducts of atrazine and an amide. Under conditions which favored the production of the hydroxyl radical from ozone (e.g., high pH, low alkalinity, or the presence of H2O2) additional (though minor) reactions included hydrolysis of the Cl-C bond to form s-triazine hydroxy analogues.