Glyphosate (Ref: MON 0573)

Glyphosate (Ref: MON 0573)	Last updated: 21/03/2024
(Also known as: glyphosate acid; sulfosate; 2-[(phosphonomethyl)amino]acetic acid; CP 67573)

SUMMARY

Glyphosate is a non-selective common and effective herbicide. It is highly soluble in water, relatively volatile and does not normally leach to groundwater. It is not persistent in soils but may be in aquatic systems under certain conditions. It is moderately toxic to humans and a skin and eye irritant. It is moderately toxic to birds, most aquatic organisms, earthworms and honeybees.

Data alerts

The following alerts are based on the data in the tables below. An absence of an alert does not imply the substance has no implications for human health, biodiversity or the environment but just that we do not have the data to form a judgement.

Environmental fate	Ecotoxicity	Human health
Environmental fate Moderate alert: Drainflow: Slightly mobile; Potential for particle bound transport: Medium	Ecotoxicity Moderate alert: Birds chronic ecotoxicity: Moderate; Earthworms chronic ecotoxicity: Moderate	Human health High alert: Genotoxic

GENERAL INFORMATION

Description

A broad-spectrum herbicide used in a wide range of cropping, utility and industrial situations to for broad-spectrum control of weeds and grasses

Example pests controlled

Annual and perennial weeds, Broad-leaved weeds, Grasses

Example applications

Agriculture including cereals; Soybeans, Glyphosate tolerant crops; Horticulture; Forestry; Domestic gardens, lawns

Efficacy & activity

Efficacy demonstrated by field trials and extensive global use

Availability status

Current

Introduction & key dates

1971, first reported

UK regulatory status

UK COPR regulatory status

Approved

Date COPR inclusion expires

15/12/2025

UK LERAP status

Check label - may vary with formulation

EC Regulation 1107/2009 (repealing 91/414)

EC Regulation 1107/2009 status

Approved

Dossier rapporteur/co-rapporteur

Assessment Group on Glyphosate

Date EC 1107/2009 inclusion expires

15/12/2033

EU Candidate for substitution (CfS)

Listed in EU database

Yes

Approved for use (✓) under EC 1107/2009 in the following EU Member States

ATAustria	BEBelgium	BGBulgaria	CYCyprus	CZCzech Republic	DEGermany	DKDenmark	EEEstonia	ELGreece
✓	✓	✓	✓	✓	✓	✓	✓	✓
ESSpain	FIFinland	FRFrance	HRCroatia	HUHungary	IEIreland	ITItaly	LTLithuania	LULuxembourg
✓	✓	✓	✓	✓	✓	✓	✓
LVLatvia	MTMalta	NLNetherlands	PLPoland	PTPortugal	RORomania	SESweden	SISlovenia	SKSlovakia
✓	✓	✓	✓	✓	✓	✓	✓	✓

Approved for use (✓) under EC 1107/2009 by Mutual Recognition of Authorisation and/or national regulations in the following EEA countries

ISIceland	NONorway
	✓

Additional information

Also used in

Australia, USA

Chemical structure

Isomerism

None

Chemical formula

C₃H₈NO₅P

Canonical SMILES

C(C(=O)O)NCP(=O)(O)O

Isomeric SMILES

Not applicable

International Chemical Identifier key (InChIKey)

XDDAORKBJWWYJS-UHFFFAOYSA-N

International Chemical Identifier (InChI)

InChI=1S/C3H8NO5P/c5-3(6)1-4-2-10(7,8)9/h4H,1-2H2,(H,5,6)(H2,7,8,9)

2D structure diagram/image available?

Yes

Cambridge Crystallographic Data Centre diagrams

Common Name	Relationship	Link
glyphosate	-

General status

Pesticide type

Herbicide

Substance groups

Organophosphate herbicide; Phosphonoglycine herbicide

Minimum active substance purity

>=950 g kg⁻¹

Known relevant impurities

EFSA dossier 2023: Formaldehyde <1.0 g kg⁻¹; N-nitroso-glyphosate <1 mg kg⁻¹; Formic acid <=4 g kg⁻¹; Triethylamine <= 2 g kg⁻¹

Substance origin

Synthetic

Mode of action

Broad-spectrum, systemic, contact action translocated and non-residual. Inhibition of EPSP synthase.

CAS RN

1071-83-6

EC number

213-997-4

CIPAC number

284

US EPA chemical code

417300

PubChem CID

3496

CLP index number

607-315-00-8

Molecular mass

169.1

PIN (Preferred Identification Name)

IUPAC name

N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine

CAS name

glycine, N-(phosphonomethyl)-

Other status information

Risk of herbicide resistance developing - anti-resistance management required; PAN listed Highly Hazardous Chemical

Relevant Environmental Water Quality Standards

Herbicide Resistance Class (HRAC MoA class)

Herbicide Resistance Class (WSSA MoA class)

Insecticide Resistance Class (IRAC MoA class)

Not applicable

Fungicide Resistance Class (FRAC MOA class)

Not applicable

Examples of recorded resistance

Eleusine indica, Lolium rigidum, Amaranthus palmeri, Euphorbia heterophylla

Physical state

White crystals

Related substances & organisms

glyphosate-diammonium

glyphosate-dimethylammonium

glyphosate-isopropylamine

glyphosate-trimesium

Formulations

Property

Value

Example manufacturers & suppliers of products using this active now or historically

Bayer CropScience
Dow AgroSciences
Headland
Makhteshim-Agan
Monsanto
Nufarm UK
Syngenta
Cheminova

Example products using this active

Asteroid
Envision
Touchdown
Glyfos
Glyfos Daker
Glyphosate 360
Glyphogan
Kernel
Manifest

Formulation and application details

Often supplied as a soluble concentrate that is mixed with water and applied as a spray

ENVIRONMENTAL FATE

Property

Value

Source; quality score; and other information

Interpretation

Solubility - In water at 20 °C (mg l⁻¹)

100000

High

Solubility - In organic solvents at 20 °C (mg l⁻¹)

0.6

Acetone

0.6

Xylenes

Methanol

0.6

Ethyl acetate

Melting point (°C)

189.5

Boiling point (°C)

Decomposes before boiling

Degradation point (°C)

200

Flashpoint (°C)

Octanol-water partition coefficient at pH 7, 20 °C

5.25 X 10^-07

Calculated

Log P

-6.28

at 25 °C

Low

Fat solubility of residues

Solubility

Insoluble

Data type

Regulatory data

Density (g ml⁻¹)

1.71

Dissociation constant pKa) at 25 °C

2.34

Strong acid, pKa(2) = 5.73

Vapour pressure at 20 °C (mPa)

0.0131

Low volatility

Henry's law constant at 25 °C (Pa m³ mol⁻¹)

2.210 X 10^-08

Non-volatile

Volatilisation as max % of applied dose lost

From plant surface

Negligible

24 hr

From soil surface

Negligible

24 hr

Maximum UV-vis absorption L mol⁻¹ cm⁻¹

pH7: 200nm=122; 290nm=10.0
pH2: 200nm=760, 290nm=10.0
pH10: 200nm=712, 290nm=10.0

Surface tension (mN m⁻¹)

at 20 °C 96.9%

Degradation

Property

Value

Source; quality score; and other information

Interpretation

General biodegradability

Not readily biodegradable

Soil degradation (days) (aerobic)

DT₅₀ (typical)

17.3

Non-persistent

DT₅₀ (lab at 20 °C)

17.3

Non-persistent

DT₅₀ (field)

6.45

Non-persistent

DT₉₀ (lab at 20 °C)

322

Persistent

DT₉₀ (field)

169.68

DT₅₀ modelling endpoint

Note

EU Dossier 2023 Lab studies DT₅₀ range 0.7-78.6 days, DT₉₀ range 14.9-1660 days, Soils=9; field studies DT₅₀ range 1.1-13.5 days, DT₉₀ range 31.8-192 days, Soils =6

Dissipation rate RL₅₀ (days) on plant matrix

Value

Note

Dissipation rate RL₅₀ (days) on and in plant matrix

Value

10.6

Note

Published literature RL₅₀ range 2.2-17.0 days, 6 field crops, various matrices, n=6

Aqueous photolysis DT₅₀ (days) at pH 7

Value

55.2

Stable

Note

pH sensitive: DT₅₀ 30 days at pH 5, 62 days at pH 9

Aqueous hydrolysis DT₅₀ (days) at 20 °C and pH 7

Value

Stable

Note

Stable pH 5 to pH 8 at 25 °C

Water-sediment DT₅₀ (days)

20.8

Fast

Water phase only DT₅₀ (days)

9.9

Moderately fast

Air degradation

As this parameter is not normally measured directly, a surrogate measure is used: ‘Photochemical oxidative DT₅₀’. Where data is available, this can be found in the Fate Indices section below.

Soil adsorption and mobility

Property

Value

Source; quality score; and other information

Interpretation

Linear

K_d

209.4

Slightly mobile

K_oc

1424

Notes and range

EU dossier (2015) K_d range 5.0-510 mL g⁻¹, koc range 884-50660 mL g⁻¹, Soils=9

Freundlich

K_f

54.2

Non-mobile

K_foc

4348

¹/_n

0.682

Notes and range

EU Dossier 2023: K_f range 18.1-166.4 mL g⁻¹, K_foc range 1031-9615, ¹/_n range 0.546-0.777, Soils=10

pH sensitivity

Fate indices

Property

Value

Source; quality score; and other information

Interpretation

GUS leaching potential index

0.29

Calculated

Low leachability

SCI-GROW groundwater index (μg l⁻¹) for a 1 kg ha⁻¹ or 1 l ha⁻¹ application rate

Value

5.56 X 10^-03

Calculated

Note

Potential for particle bound transport index

Medium

Calculated

Potential for loss via drain flow

Slightly mobile

Calculated

Photochemical oxidative DT₅₀ (hrs) as indicator of long-range air transport risk

1.625

Calculated using the Atkinson method. Assumed 1.5E+06 OH/cm³, 12 hr

Below the level of concern for long-range air transport

Bio-concentration factor

BCF (l kg⁻¹)

0.5

Whole fish

Low potential

CT₅₀ (days)

Not available

Known soil metabolites

Metabolite

Major/Minor fraction

$Click here for further information on Major/Minor fraction$

Estimated maximum occurrence fraction

Notes

aminomethylphosphonic acid

Major fraction

0.488

Known groundwater metabolites

Metabolite

EC SANCO/221/2000 relevancy

ADI (mg kg⁻¹ bodyweight day⁻¹)

WHO drinking water guidance value (μg L⁻¹ day⁻¹)

aminomethylphosphonic acid

Not relevant

Other known metabolites

Metabolite name and reference

Aliases

Formation medium / Rate

Estimated maximum occurrence fraction

Metabolising enzymes

(acetamidomethyl)phosphonic acid

N-acetyl-AMPA

Plants; Livestock

(hydroxymethyl)phosphonic acid

HMPA

Water

N-acetyl-N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine

N-acetyl-glyphosate

Plants; Livestock

ECOTOXICOLOGY

Terrestrial ecotoxicology

Property

Value

Source; quality score; and other information

Interpretation

Mammals - Acute oral LD₅₀ (mg kg⁻¹)

> 2000

Rat

Low

Mammals - Short term dietary NOEL

(mg kg⁻¹)

150

Rat

Moderate

(ppm diet)

Mammals - Chronic 21d NOAEL (mg kg⁻¹ bw d⁻¹)

351

Unknown species Reproductive NOAEL

Low

Birds - Acute LD₅₀ (mg kg⁻¹)

> 2000

Colinus virginianus

Low

Birds - Short term dietary (LC₅₀/LD₅₀)

Birds - Chronic 21d NOEL (mg kg⁻¹ bw d⁻¹)

116

Anas platyrhynchos

Moderate

Earthworms - Acute 14 day LC₅₀ (mg kg⁻¹)

> 5600

Eisenia foetida

Low

Earthworms - Chronic NOEC, reproduction (mg kg⁻¹)

> 21.31

Eisenia foetida

Moderate

Soil micro-organisms

Nitrogen mineralisation: No significant adverse effect
Carbon mineralisation: No significant adverse effect

Dose: 18 kg ha⁻¹

Collembola

Acute LC₅₀ (mg kg⁻¹)

Chronic NOEC (mg kg⁻¹)

587

Folsomia candida

Non-target plants

Honeybees (Apis spp.)

Contact acute LD₅₀ (worst case from 24, 48 and 72 hour values - μg bee⁻¹)

> 100

Apis mellifera

Low

Oral acute LD₅₀ (worst case from 24, 48 and 72 hour values - μg bee⁻¹)

104

Apis mellifera

Low

Unknown mode acute LD₅₀ (worst case from 24, 48 and 72 hour values - μg bee⁻¹)

Chronic as 10-day LDD₅₀ µg bee⁻¹ day⁻¹

> 179

Apis mellifera

Bumblebees (Bombus spp.)

Contact acute LD₅₀ (worst case from 24, 48 and 72 hour values - μg bee⁻¹)

Oral acute LD₅₀ (worst case from 24, 48 and 72 hour values - μg bee⁻¹)

Mason bees (Osmia spp.)

Contact acute LD₅₀ (worst case from 24, 48 and 72 hour values - μg bee⁻¹)

> 100

Osmia bicornis

Low

Oral acute LD₅₀ (worst case from 24, 48 and 72 hour values - μg bee⁻¹)

Other bee species (1)

Acute LD₅₀ (worst case from 24, 48 and 72 hour values - μg insect⁻¹)

Mode of exposure

Other bee species (2)

Acute LD₅₀ (worst case from 24, 48 and 72 hour values - μg insect⁻¹)

Mode of exposure

Beneficial insects (Ladybirds)

Beneficial insects (Lacewings)

Beneficial insects (Parasitic wasps) as Mortality LR₅₀ g ha⁻¹

> 5760

Aphidius rhopalosiphi

Beneficial insects (Predatory mites) as Mortality LR₅₀ g ha⁻¹

> 4320

Typhlodromus pyri

Beneficial insects (Ground beetles)

Aquatic ecotoxicology

Property

Value

Source; quality score; and other information

Interpretation

Temperate Freshwater Fish - Acute 96 hour LC₅₀ (mg l⁻¹)

> 100

Oncorhynchus mykiss

Low

Temperate Freshwater Fish - Chronic 21 day NOEC (mg l⁻¹)

Oncorhynchus mykiss

Low

Tropical Freshwater Fish - Acute 96 hour LC₅₀ (mg l⁻¹)

> 27.04

Danio rerio Embryo

Moderate

Temperate Freshwater Aquatic invertebrates - Acute 48 hour EC₅₀ (mg l⁻¹)

> 100

Daphnia magna

Low

Temperate Freshwater Aquatic invertebrates - Chronic 21 day NOEC (mg l⁻¹)

12.5

Daphnia magna

Low

Tropical Freshwater Aquatic invertebrates - Acute 48 hour EC₅₀ (mg l⁻¹)

> 141

Ceriodaphnia dubia LC₅₀

Low

Aquatic crustaceans - Acute 96 hour LC₅₀ (mg l⁻¹)

40.0

Americamysis bahia

Moderate

Sediment dwelling organisms - Acute 96 hour LC₅₀ (mg l⁻¹)

> 10

Chironomus plumosus 48 hr EC₅₀

Moderate

Sediment dwelling organisms - Chronic 28 day NOEC, static, water (mg l⁻¹)

1000

Chironomus riparius

Low

Sediment dwelling organisms - Chronic 28 day NOEC, sediment (mg kg⁻¹)

Aquatic plants - Acute 7 day EC₅₀, biomass (mg l⁻¹)

Lemna gibba

Low

Algae - Acute 72 hour EC₅₀, growth (mg l⁻¹)

19.0

Pseudokirchneriella subcapitata

Low

Algae - Chronic 96 hour NOEC, growth (mg l⁻¹)

Unknown species

Low

Mesocosm study data

NOEAEC mg l⁻¹

HUMAN HEALTH AND PROTECTION

General

Property

Value

Source; quality score; and other information

Interpretation

Threshold of Toxicological Concern (Cramer Class)

High (class III)

Mammals - Acute oral LD₅₀ (mg kg⁻¹)

> 2000

Rat

Low

Mammals - Dermal LD₅₀ (mg kg⁻¹ body weight)

2000

Rat

Mammals - Inhalation LC₅₀ (mg l⁻¹)

> 5.0

Rat 4 hr (nose only)

Other Mammal toxicity endpoints

ADI - Acceptable Daily Intake (mg kg⁻¹ bw day⁻¹)

0.5

Dog & Rat SF=100

ARfD - Acute Reference Dose (mg kg⁻¹ bw day⁻¹)

1.5

Rabbit SF=100

AAOEL - Acute Acceptable Operator Exposure Level (mg kg⁻¹ bw day⁻¹)

0.3

Rabbit SF=500

AOEL - Acceptable Operator Exposure Level - Systemic (mg kg⁻¹ bw day⁻¹)

0.1

Dog & Rabbit SF=500

Dermal penetration studies (%)

1.0

Dangerous Substances Directive 76/464

Exposure Routes

Public

Risks to bystanders and residents considered low

Occupational

PPE/PPC recommended to reduce risks

MRLs

European

EU MRL pesticide database

Great Britain

GB MRL Register

Notes

GB MRL amended July 2021

Drinking Water Standards

Drinking Water MAC (μg l⁻¹)

Mammalian dose elimination route and rate

Rapid and extensive - approx 90% in 24 hrs mainly via faeces. Limited metabolism.

Health issues

Specific human health issues

Carcinogen

Genotoxic

Endocrine disruptor

; ; ; ;

Reproduction / development effects

Acetyl cholinesterase inhibitor

Neurotoxicant

Respiratory tract irritant

Skin irritant

Skin sensitiser

Eye irritant

Phototoxicant

No data found

General human health issues

IARC Group 2A carcinogen; US EPA - no evidence to support classification as human carcinogen; EFSA - unlikely to cause cancer
Possible bladder and liver toxicant
May cause serious eye damage
Endocrine issues - Disruption of aromatase activity
May cause gastrointestinal disturbances

Handling issues

Property

Value and interpretation

General

IMDG Transport Hazard Class 9
Not oxidising or explosive
Corrosive
Not expected to auto-ignite; Not highly flammable

CLP classification 2013

Handling: GHS05
Health: H318
Environment: H411

WHO Classification

III (Slightly hazardous)

UN Number

UN3077

Waste disposal & packaging

Packaging Group III (minor danger)

Shelf-life, storage, stability and reactivity

Chemically stable under standard ambient conditions

TRANSLATIONS

Language

Name

English

glyphosate

French

glyphosate

German

Glyphosat

Danish

glyphosat

Italian

glifosate

Spanish

glifosato

Greek

glyphosate

Polish

glifosat

Swedish

glyfosat

Hungarian

glifozat

Dutch

glyfosaat

Norwegian

glyfosat

Record last updated:	21/03/2024
Contact:	aeru@herts.ac.uk
Please cite as:	Lewis, K.A., Tzilivakis, J., Warner, D. and Green, A. (2016) An international database for pesticide risk assessments and management. Human and Ecological Risk Assessment: An International Journal, 22(4), 1050-1064. DOI: 10.1080/10807039.2015.1133242