Stabilizers abiotic degradation

Biotic and abiotic degradation of 1,2-dibromoethane in surface waters is slow relative to volatilization of the compound to the atmosphere (ERA 1987b). 1,2- Dibromoethane is resistant to hydrolysis (Jaber et al. 1984) the hydrolytic half-life of the compound has been reported to range from 2.5 years (Vogel and Reinhard 1982) to 13.2 years (HSDB 1989). As a result of its hydrolytic stability and the limited biological activity in subsurface soils, 1,2- dibromoethane leached to groundwater is expected to persist for years. 

In long-term evolutionary scales, humans now have the abilities to intervene rapidly in this interdependent relationship and alter the stability of the rates of metabolism of organic matter. For example, reduction of ozone in the stratosphere and associated increased UV irradiance could lead to accelerated photolytic degradation of macromolecules of DOM by both abiotic and biotic pathways to C02. In addition, the photolytic enhancement of substrates for bacterial metabolism by UV photolysis can result in accelerated rates of biogeochemical cycling of nutrients and stimulated... 

In this section, we will consider the effects of soil texture and soil nutrient status on decomposition. The initial stages of leaf litter decomposition will be at least partially decoupled from control by edaphic properties of the soil environment. For example, Scott et al. (1996) found that while SOM decomposition varies significantly with soil texture, the CO2 evolution from surface litter does not. However, as partially decomposed litter is incorporated into the soil both through abiotic and biotic means, the physical characteristics of the soil begin to play an important role in the overall degradation and stabilization of the organic inputs. 

Ojeda TFM et al. (2009) Abiotic and biotic degradation of oxo-biodegradable polyethylenes. Pol3rmer degradation and stability. 94 965-970. 

The formation of covalent bonds between pesticides and their metabolites, which structurally resemble phenolic and aniline conq>ounds and soil organic matters, is mediated by biotic or abiotic catalysts and results in stabilization against bioavailability. The herbicide bentazon in the soil environment has shown that it can be degraded by hydroxylation at the 6 or 8 positions on the phenyl ring and its metabolites can be incorporated into soil organic matters. 

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