Title

Chloroacetic acids in environmental processes.

Authors

Matucha, M.; Gryndler, M.; Forczek, S. T.; Uhlířová, H.; Fuksová, K.; Schröder, P.

Abstract

The fate of chloroacetic acids (CAA) in forest soils was studied using radio-indicator methods. We showed that chloroacetic acids are both microbially degraded and simultaneously formed by chloroperoxidase-mediated chlorination of acetic and humic acids. The degree of biodegradation of chloroacetic acids in soil depends on their concentration. Dichloroacetic acid (DCA) is degraded faster than trichloroacetic acid (TCA). Chlorination of acetic acid led to a fast formation of dichloroacetic acid, whereas chlorination of humic acids gave rise to trichloroacetic acid. Both processes lead to a steady state in soil, participate in the chlorine cycle and possibly also in decomposition of organic matter in forest ecosystems.

Subjects

CHLOROACETIC acids; FOREST soils; CHLORINATION; HUMIC acid; BIODEGRADATION

Publication

Environmental Chemistry Letters, 2003, Vol 1, Issue 2, p127

ISSN

1610-3653

Publication type

Academic Journal

DOI

10.1007/s10311-003-0030-y