Name: Larry D. S.
Status: educator
Age: 50s
Location: N/A
Country: N/A
Date: Thursday, April 18, 2002 8:31:44 PM
Question:
The question relates to the potential release of arsenic from the
herbicides MSMA (monosodiummethanearsonate) and cacodylic acid
(dimethylarsinic acid)after they are sprayed on soils. Both compounds
are tightly bound to soils, especially those with high clay content.
However, they are not substantially metabolized in the soil environment
in the absence of microorganisms.
Is the release of arsenic inhibited by the bond strength of the arsenic
to the methyl groups in the molecules? How do these strengths compare
to common compounds such as water, H2O?
Replies:
The following indicates that arsenic in herbicides has been known to cause
soil contamination:
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