ABSTRACT
Endosulfan is used as an insecticide against a variety of insects on a variety of crops. Release of endosulfan isomers to soil will most likely result in biodegradation and in hydrolysis, especially under alkaline conditions. Endosulfan isomers on the soil surface may photolyze. Endosulfan released to the atmosphere will react with photochemically generated hydroxyl radicals with an estimated half-life of 1.23 hr. Bioconcentration of endosulfan is expected to be significant. Isomers of endosulfan are contaminants in air, water, sediment, soil, fish and other aquatic organisms, and food. Endosulfan is a non-systemic contact and stomach insecticide effective against various insects and mites on cereals, coffee, cotton, fruit, oilseeds, potatoes, tea, vegetables, and numerous other crops. Endosulfan may also be subject to photolysis since partial dechlorination has been noted in dioxane/water with sunlight irradiation. Endosulfan was detected in 13 of 55 apiaries in CT in 1983-5 at concn up to 4.40 ppm.
