Surface Reactions of Parathion on Clays

The adsorption-catalyzed degradation of parathion on clay surfaces is a hydrolysis process, proceeding either directly or through a rearrangement step. The rate and mechanism of degradation are dependent on the nature of the clay, its hydration status, and saturating cation. A mechanism for parathion degradation at adsorption sites on clay surfaces, in the absence of a liquid phase, is proposed.