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Environmental fate & pathways

Phototransformation in water

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Description of key information

No reliable information has been identified on phototransformation of biphenyl in water. However, the studies of Gagel and Michael (1983) and Saeger (1979), which were considered unreliable (Klimisch 3), can be used in a weight-of-evidence approach to indicate that direct photolysis of biphenyl in water is not a process significantly contributing to degradation of biphenyl in the environment.

Key value for chemical safety assessment

Additional information

Gagel and Michael (1983) did not observe any significant photolysis after 29 days of exposure to direct sunlight. Saeger (1979) observed 9% degradation after 28 days of exposure to direct sunlight compared to dark controls. However, the reduction in test substance concentration appeared to be at least partially due to other processes, of which volatilization is most likely the most important. Although these two studies were considered not reliable, they can be used in a weight-of-evidence approach to indicate that direct photolysis of biphenyl in water is not a process significantly contributing to degradation of biphenyl in the environment.