Photodegradation of octylisothiazolinone and semi-field emissions from facade coatings

Amongst others, 2-octyl-isothiazol-3(2 H)-one (OIT) is used as film preservative in water-based polymer resin paints and renders to prevent the growth of moulds and bacteria. It is known that biocides leach from facades with rainwater and end up in the environment via stormwater runoff. In the present study the leaching and fate of OIT used in facade coatings was determined under natural conditions. Potential phototransformation products were initially identified in laboratory experiments using UV-light. Afterwards, the leaching of OIT and seven degradation products were studied on artificial walls equipped with organic top coatings formulated with OIT. A mass balance, including the leached and remaining amounts of OIT and its seven transformation products, can explain up to 40% of the initial amount of OIT. The OIT remaining in the material after 1.5 yr is by far the largest fraction. The study shows that in the assessment of biocides in coating material, transformation products need to be taken into account both in leachate and remaining in the material. Furthermore, in case of volatile degradation products, the emissions to air might be relevant.