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Glyphosate is a transformation product of a widely used aminopolyphosphonate complexing agent

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  • Anna M. Röhnelt

    (University of Tübingen)

  • Philipp R. Martin

    (University of Tübingen
    University of Vienna)

  • Mathis Athmer

    (University of Münster)

  • Sarah Bieger

    (University of Tübingen)

  • Daniel Buchner

    (University of Tübingen)

  • Uwe Karst

    (University of Münster)

  • Carolin Huhn

    (University of Tübingen)

  • Torsten C. Schmidt

    (University of Duisburg-Essen)

  • Stefan B. Haderlein

    (University of Tübingen)

Abstract

Diethylenetriamine penta(methylenephosphonate) (DTPMP) and related aminopolyphosphonates (APPs) are widely used as chelating agents in household and industrial applications. Recent studies have linked APP emissions to elevated levels of the herbicide glyphosate in European surface waters. However, the transformation processes and products of APPs in the environment are largely unknown. We show that glyphosate is formed from DTPMP by reaction with manganese at near neutral pH in pure water and in wastewater. Dissolved Mn2+ and O2 or suspended MnO2 lead to the formation of glyphosate, which remains stable after complete DTPMP conversion. Glyphosate yields vary with the reaction conditions and reach up to 0.42 mol%. The ubiquitous presence of manganese in natural waters and wastewater systems underscores the potential importance of Mn-driven DTPMP transformation as a previously overlooked source of glyphosate in aquatic systems. These findings challenge the current paradigm of herbicide application as the sole source of glyphosate contamination and necessitate a reevaluation of water resource protection strategies.

Suggested Citation

  • Anna M. Röhnelt & Philipp R. Martin & Mathis Athmer & Sarah Bieger & Daniel Buchner & Uwe Karst & Carolin Huhn & Torsten C. Schmidt & Stefan B. Haderlein, 2025. "Glyphosate is a transformation product of a widely used aminopolyphosphonate complexing agent," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 16(1), pages 1-10, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:16:y:2025:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-025-57473-7
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-57473-7
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