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 to human health. Thermal treatment processes are 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 by applying computational chemistry and reaction rate theory methods.