deethylhydroxyatrazine

Deethylhydroxyatrazine (DEHA) is a chlorinated triazine herbicide transformation product. It is formed in the environment by de-ethylation of hydroxyatrazine, which itself is a hydroxylated metabolite of atrazine. DEHA is part of a family of atrazine-derived compounds that can persist after atrazine application and is commonly identified in environmental monitoring studies.

Occurrence and significance: DEHA has been detected in surface water and groundwater samples, particularly in agricultural regions where atrazine is used. It is often found alongside other atrazine metabolites, such as deethylatrazine and deisopropylatrazine. Concentrations reported in environmental surveys can vary widely, typically ranging from trace ng/L levels to low μg/L, influenced by factors such as rainfall, soil properties, and degradation rates.

Environmental fate and properties: DEHA is relatively polar and more water-soluble than atrazine, which contributes to its mobility in soil and potential transport to water bodies. It can undergo further degradation through microbial activity, hydrolysis, and photolysis, leading to additional products. Its persistence and sorption behavior are generally intermediate between atrazine and more polar metabolites, making it an important compound for understanding atrazine fate in terrestrial and aquatic systems.

Toxicity and regulation: Compared with atrazine, toxicological data for DEHA are more limited. Risk assessments typically consider DEHA alongside other atrazine metabolites, particularly in mixtures. Analytical monitoring of DEHA commonly relies on liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) methods for trace-level detection in water and environmental samples.