from solution observed as loss of DOC was observed. This factor was attributed to adsorption rather than biodegradation. However, bacterial strains capable of degrading aminopolyphosphonates and HEDP under P-limited conditions have been isolated from soils, lakes, wastewater, activated sludge and compost. "No biodegradation of phosphonates during water treatment is observed but photodegradation of the Fe(III)-complexes is rapid. Aminopolyphosphonates are also rapidly oxidized in the presence of Mn(II) and oxygen and stable breakdown products are formed that have been detected in wastewater. The lack of information about phosphonates in the environment is linked to analytical problems of their determination at trace concentrations in natural waters. Phosphonates are present mainly as Ca and Mg-complexes in natural waters and therefore do not affect metal speciation or transport." Phosphonates interact strongly with some surfaces, which results in a significant removal in technical and natural systems. Phosphonate compounds Tenofovir alafenamide: A pro-drug of the nucleotide analogue tenofovir, critical for HIV treatment. AMPA: Aminomethylphosphonic acid, degradation product of glyphosate Vinylphosphonic acid: monomer Dimethyl methylphosphonate (DMMP), one of the simplest phosphonate diesters Etidronic acid (HEDP): 1-hydroxyethylidene-1,1-diphosphonic acid, used in detergents, water treatment, cosmetics and pharmaceuticals ATMP: Aminotris(methylenephosphonic acid), chelating agent EDTMP: Ethylenediaminetetra(methylenephosphonic acid), chelating agent TDTMP: Tetramethylenediaminetetra(methylenephosphonic acid), chelating agent HDTMP: Hexamethylenediaminetetra(methylenephosphonic acid), chelating agent DTPMP: Diethylenetriaminepenta(methylenephosphonic acid), chelating agent PBTC: Phosphonobutanetricarboxylic acid PMIDA: N-(phosphonomethyl)iminodiacetic acid CEPA: 2-carboxyethyl phosphonic acid HPAA: 2-Hydroxyphosphonocarboxylic acid AMP: Aminotris(methylenephosphonic acid) BPMG: N,N-Bis(phosphonomethyl)glycine Glyphosate: a common agricultural herbicide Foscarnet: for treatment of herpes Perzinfotel: for treatment of stroke SF2312: a natural product phosphonate antibiotic inhibitor of enolase Selfotel: an abandoned experimental drug for stroke See also Organophosphorus compounds Phosphine oxide – OPR3 Phosphinite – P(OR)R2 Phosphonite – P(OR)2R Phosphite – P(OR)3 Phosphinate – OP(OR)R2 Phosphate – OP(OR)3 References Further reading Functional groups Chelating agents Concrete admixtures