Degradation mechanisms, natural organic

Fig. 16.2 Degradation rate constant for methyl parathion as a function of pH, in aqueous 5.0 mM hydrogen sulfide with and without natural organic matter (NOM), at 25°C. Reprinted with permission from Guo XF, Jans U (2006) Kinetics and mechanism of the degradation of methyl parathion in aqueous hydrogen sulfide solution Investigation of natural organic matter effects. Environ Sci Technol 40 900-906. Copyright 2006 American Chemical Society...

Guo XF, Jans U (2006) Kinetics and mechanism of the degradation of methyl parathion in aqueous hydrogen sulfide solution Investigation of natural organic matter effects. Environ Sci Technol 40 900-906... 

An in-line moulding press interfaced to a GC-MS has been used to analyse the effluent from the vulcanisation of rubber formulations for the purpose of identifying and quantifying organic compounds present in the vulcanisation fumes [42]. Analyses were performed on natural, ethylene-propylene-diene monomer, styrene-butadiene, nitrile, chloroprene, silicone, and polyfluorocarbon rubbers. Degradation mechanisms were proposed based on the volatiles observed. 

Antioxidants are used to retard the reaction of organic materials with atmospheric oxygen. Such reaction can cause degradation of the mechanical, aesthetic, and electrical properties of polymers loss of flavor and development of rancidity ia foods and an iacrease ia the viscosity, acidity, and formation of iasolubles ia lubricants. The need for antioxidants depends upon the chemical composition of the substrate and the conditions of exposure. Relatively high concentrations of antioxidants are used to stabilize polymers such as natural mbber and polyunsaturated oils. Saturated polymers have greater oxidative stabiUty and require relatively low concentrations of stabilizers. Specialized antioxidants which have been commercialized meet the needs of the iadustry by extending the useflil Hves of the many substrates produced under anticipated conditions of exposure. The sales of antioxidants ia the United States were approximately 730 million ia 1990 (1,2). 

Design your own degradative pathway. You know the rules (organic mechanisms), and you ve seen the kinds of reactions that occur in the biological degradation of fats and carbohydrates inLo acetyl CoA. If you were Mother Nature, what series of steps would you use to degrade the amino acid serine into acetyl CoA ... 

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