Fate of α‐ and γ‐hexachlorocyclohexane isomers under simulated environmental conditions

Abstract

This study describes the effect of sunlight on α‐ and γ‐isomers of hexachlorocyclohexane (HCH) in aqueous media with or without soil fulvic acid (SFA). Under identical conditions, in distilled water alone, the α‐HCH degrades at a slightly slower rate than the γ‐isomer. The rates of disappearance of α‐ and Y‐HCH are nearly identical in high and low concentrations of SFA solutions. The rate of depletion of these isomers is seasonal dependent. A possible conversion of the γ‐isomer to the α‐form to a small extent is indicated.

Key words:

• Hexachlorocyclohexane isomers
• BHC isomers
• degradation of α‐ and γ‐HCH (BHC) isomers in aqueous media
• rate of disappearance of HCH isomers
• lindane
• action of sunlight on BHC isomers
• influence of fulvic acid on degradation of HCH isomers

Notes

To whom correspondence should be addressed.

Present Address: CANMET, CERL, 555 Booth Street, Ottawa, CANADA, K1A OG1.