Thermal decomposition kinetics of glyphosate (GP) and its metabolite aminomethylphosphonic acid (AMPA).

Abstract

Glyphosate (GP) is a widely used herbicide worldwide, yet accumulation of GP and its main byproduct, aminomethylphosphonic acid (AMPA), in soil and water has raised concerns about its potential effects on human health. Thermal treatment, in which contaminants are vaporised and decomposed in the gas-phase, is one option for decontaminating material containing GP and AMPA, yet the thermal decomposition chemistry of these compounds remains poorly understood. Here, we have revealed the thermal decomposition mechanism of GP and AMPA in the gas phase by applying computational chemistry and reaction rate theory methods. The preferred decomposition channel for both substances involves the eliminatio..