Effect of physicochemical parameters on pesticide degradation

Helfrich, John A.; St. Aubin, Jessica J.

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https://hdl.handle.net/2142/109982 Copy

Description

Title

Effect of physicochemical parameters on pesticide degradation

Author(s)

• Helfrich, John A.
• St. Aubin, Jessica J.

Issue Date

1986-09

Keyword(s)

• Pesticides
• Pesticide breakdown

Abstract

Modern agricultural practices continue to rely heavily on the use of herbicides and insecticides to maintain or increase crop yields. Past pesticide usage, especially of organochlorine compounds such as DDT, aldrin, heptachlor and chlordane, has resulted in serious environmental damage. Illinois surface waters and lake sediments have been contaminated with these compounds and their degradation products as a result of their heavy and prolonged usage. A 1979 IEPA survey (Kelly and Hite 1981) of Illinois lakes revealed dieldrin residues in 58% of the 63 lakes surveyed; heptachlor epoxide was detected in 25% of the samples. Sediment samples collected from Lakes Mattoon and Paradise in the summer of 1985 still contained dieldrin residues almost 10 years after use of its precursor, aldrin, had been discontinued. The levels of dieldrin appear to have declined more in Lake Mattoon than in Lake Paradise. It is believed that this is a result of the lower sediment redox potential and higher levels of surficial ferrous iron found in Lake Mattoon. Degradation products resulting from the decomposition of dieldrin could not be isolated. It is surmised that this is because the concentration of the degradation products is below analytical detection limits and/or the compounds have become chemically bound to sedimentary humic materials.

Series/Report Name or Number

Illinois Department of Energy and Natural Resources ILENR/RE-EH-86/06

Type of Resource

text

Permalink

http://hdl.handle.net/2142/109982

Sponsor(s)/Grant Number(s)

Illinois Department of Energy and Natural Resources, Energy and Environmental Affairs Division, Contract EH21, Project 85/6004

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