Reactivity of rimsulfuron in newly formed inclusion combinations by using cyclodextrin and zeolite

Extending our investigations on environment protection by agrochemicals diffusion and accumulation, newly formed inclusion combinations of rimsulfuron into zeolite-NaY (Z-NaY) and -cyclodextrin (-CD) were studied and compared. The reactivity of the included herbicide under UV-irradiation and in the dark was assessed. Many guest/host ratios were tested: the best results were found using 3 g (6.953 mmol) of rimsulfuron per kilogram of zeolite, with 80% inclusion success (5.562 mmol kgÿ1), and a 1: 2 molar ratio, 190 g of rimsulfuron per kilogram of -CD with 58% inclusion success. The herbicide Z-NaY-combined underwent rapid and effective (halflive 2–7 h) degradation either catalytically or photochemically, giving rise to different identified by-products. On the contrary, -CD was able to protect rimsulfuron totally both in the dark and under 24-h direct UV irradiation. On the basis of the obtained results, a different utilization of the two inclusion materials has been suggested.