Diquat

Diquat (DQ) is a bipyridinium herbicide that is employed to control both aquatic and terrestrial weed growth. It is a redox cycling agent that can exacerbate oxidative stress, resulting in damage to cellular macromolecules and cell death. Acute exposure can result in irritation of skin or mucous membranes. Also, chronic exposure causes cataracts in laboratory animals, but not in humans. DQ binds strongly to soil and does not represent a significant risk to water supplies.