Thermal degradation of Fenitrothion: Identification and eco-toxicity of decomposition products

The thermal decomposition of Fenitrothion [phosphorothioic acid O,O-diethyl O-(3-methyl-4-nitrophenyl) ester] was investigated. Results obtained by different scale calorimetric techniques show that the thermal decomposition of Fenitrothion involves two main steps. Intermediate and final thermal degradation products formed during isothermal and adiabatic thermal decomposition experiments were identified. The eco-toxicological profile of the decomposition products was assessed experimentally and compared to results obtained with a predictive software (ECOSAR). A specific index was defined to assess the change in ecotoxicity profile of decomposition products with respect to the original compound.