Isoproturon

Definition of isoproturon: Isoproturon is a selective, systemic herbicide used in the control of annual grasses and broad-leaved weeds in cereals. Pure isoproturon occurs as colourless crystals which melt a 158°C. It is slightly soluble in water and polar organic solvents. This is the common definition for isoproturon, other definitions can be discussed in the article

Notes

Isoproturon
Formula
C12H18N2O

Isoproturon mainly enters the environment during its application as an agricultural herbicide, but releases may also occur during manufacture, transportation and storage. Isoproturon has a low tendency to adsorb to soils and is therefore quite able to enter in water bodies although it has a rather low water solubility of 70.2 mg/l. In water; it takes about 30 days to half its concentration, while it takes about 40 days in soils.

Due to its low affinity for organic matter it is not expected to have a high tendency towards bioaccumulation or biomagnification. Significant bioaccumulation might however occur in certain species.

Isoproturon is shown to be very toxic for oysters which can die at concentrations above 370 µg/l. Algae are also very vulnerable and can start dying at concentrations above 13 µg/l. Long term exposure to concentrations above 1 mg/l might affect the growth of fishes, although they only start dying at concentrations above 18 mg/l.

In fresh water concentrations of 0,125 µg/l have been recorded.

Environmental standards and legislation

Included in the water framework list of priority substances