Degradation of atrazine and related s‐triazines

TLDR: The literature related to degradation of atrazine and related s‐triazines is reviewed, with particular emphasis on those substances formed along the degradative pathways and to the biodegradation aspects of mineralization.

Abstract: Atrazine, simazine, and propazine are closely related herbicides that can be used for weed control. The degradation of s‐triazines in soil, water, and sediments has received considerable attention. In this review, the literature related to degradation of atrazine and related s‐triazines is reviewed. Particular emphasis is directed toward those substances formed along the degradative pathways and to the biodegradation aspects of mineralization. The s‐triazines are unusual in that the carbon and nitrogen ring contains no available electrons for aerobic biodegradation. The only sources of energy for aerobic biodegradation of atrazine are found on the ethyl and isopropy I groups. There is some evidence to support the concept that dealkylation of s‐triazines occurs to support the bioenergetic needs of microorganisms. Biodegradation studies with simazine or atrazine as the carbon and energy source have generally shown biodegradation of the alkyl side chains with evolution of radioactive carbon dioxide from chai...