The oxidation kinetics and mechanisms of diazinon, an organophosphorus pesticide, by aqueous chlorine were studied under different conditions. The oxidation is of first order with respect to both diazinon and chlorine. The oxidation rate is found to increase with decreasing pH. The second-order rate constants at pH 9. 5, 10.0, 10.5, and 11.0 are determined to be 1.6, 0.64, 0.43, and 0. 32 M(-)(1) s(-)(1), respectively. Based on the rate constants at different temperatures, the activation energy is calculated to be 30 kJ/mol at pH 10.0 with a chlorine-to-diazinon ratio of 11:1, 33 kJ/mol at pH 11.0 with a 11:1 ratio, and 36 kJ/mol at pH 11.0 with a 5:1 ratio, respectively. Diazoxon is identified as the oxidation product by GC-MS. Ion chromatography analysis shows an increase of sulfate concentration as the reaction proceeds, indicating that sulfur is being oxidized to sulfate. This study indicates that oxidation by aqueous chlorine can significantly affect the fate of diazinon in the environment.