Diquat

Diquat is a widely employed herbicide as contact and preharvest desiccant to control both aquatic and terrestrial weed growth. Its toxic potential results from its ability to produce reactive oxygen and nitrogen species through redox cycling processes that can exacerbate oxidative stress, resulting in damage to cellular macromolecules and cell death. It is a redox cycling agent which acute exposure can result in irritation of skin or mucous membranes. The clinical manifestations of DQ intoxication include severe gastroenteritis, followed by acute renal failure. There is no antidote against Diquat intoxications. Diquat binds strongly to soil and does not represent a significant risk to water supplies, due to its rapid degradation in the environment.