Photodegradation mechanism of deltamethrin and fenvalerate.

To understand the degradation and environmental fate of pyrethroids, the process of their photodegradation under simulated natural conditions was investigated. The results showed that the degradation process follows first-order kinetics. The degradation intermediates were identified with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. A plausible mechanism was discussed to explain the process. Several influences on degradation process were investigated and reported such as the effects of initial concentration of pyrethroids, total time of light irradiation, solvents, and light source, as well as the effect of a few substances that exist in the environment. This study could be a good reference for the degradation of pyrethroids in practical circumstances.