The goal of this project was to characterize the photocatalytic degradation of the pesticide thiamethoxam and the effects of the additives ammonium nitrate, humic acid, and river water on this degradation by measuring reaction kinetics, degree of mineralization, and toxicity. Experimental results were obtained for these methods via high performance liquid chromatography, total organic carbon (TOC) and total nitrogen (TN) analysis, and a lettuce test, respectively. Reaction rate coefficients were found to be approximately 0.0054 min-1. Nearly all samples decreased in TOC and increased in TN after degradation. Base thiamethoxam was shown to increase in toxicity after degradation. Overall, humic acid was found to be the most efficient additive for this reaction.

• This report represents the work of one or more WPI undergraduate students submitted to the faculty as evidence of completion of a degree requirement. WPI routinely publishes these reports on its website without editorial or peer review.

Creator

• Rollinson, Rebecca Marie
• Laberge, Melanie Elizabeth

Contributors

• Pons, Marie-Noelle

Publisher

• Worcester Polytechnic Institute

Identifier

• E-project-042413-151834

Advisor

• Camesano, Terri Anne

Year

• 2013

Center

• Nancy, France Project Center - MQP

Sponsor

• University of Lorraine - National School of Chemcial Industries

Date created

• 2013-04-24

Location

• Nancy

Resource type

• Major Qualifying Project

Major

• Chemical Engineering

Rights statement

• In Copyright