Abstract
Stilbene-type fluorescent whitening agents (FWAs), such as the distyryl biphenyl (DSBP) and the diaminostilbene types (DAS 1 and DAS 2), are commonly used in detergents and papers. They are not readily biodegradable, but due to their ability to absorb part of the terrestial sunlight, they can be photochemically degraded in natural surface waters. Following a fast preceding photoisomerization, the three compounds are degraded by direct photochemical processes yielding mainly aldehydes and alcohols. Their degradation quantum yields are similar, about 10-4. Nevertheless, in samples of a eutrophic Swiss lake water, DSBP is photochemically degraded three times faster (t1/2 = 87 min) in summer noon terrestrial sunlight at 25 °C than DAS 1 and DAS 2 (t1/2 = 278 and 313 min) because of a higher rate of sunlight absorption by the DSBP isomer mixture. All FWAs are degraded faster if the oxygen concentration is increased. Dissolved natural organic material partly inhibits the degradation of DSBP in the reaction with...
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
