Environmental fate and metabolism of the systemic triazolinthione fungicide prothioconazole in different aerobic soils

As a best-selling triazolinthione fungicide , prothioconazole (PTZ) has been widely used worldwide and has aroused concern about its environmental effect. This study used phenyl-UL- 14 C-labeled PTZ and an improved fate model to investigate the fate and metabolism of this fungicide in aerobic soil. During 120 d of incubation, PTZ rapidly transformed into metabolites and bound residues, with a half-life (DT 50 ) of less than 1 d. After 120 d, approximately 45–55% of PTZ formed bound residues, and the extractable metabolite residues were gradually degraded over time. Approximately 19%, 44% and 27% of phenyl-UL- 14 C-PTZ was mineralized in red soil, fluvo-aquic soil and cinnamon soil, respectively, but only approximately 3% was mineralized in black soil. Five metabolites were identified and confirmed, and a possible metabolic pathway for phenyl-UL- 14 C-PTZ in soil was proposed. Based on the correlation analysis between soil properties and model rate constants, soil properties exerted important effects on PTZ transformation. These results will provide basic data for environmental risk assessments and removal of the PTZ pollutant and suggest that the soil type should be considered in the selection and application of pesticides.