ABSTRACT
Silvex has been released into the environment during spraying operations on land or in water using herbicide formulations containing it. It may also have been released as the result of hydrolysis of esters of silvex. Loss of silvex from water via volatilization is not expected to be significant based upon its low estimated Henry’s Law constant. Silvex formulation is released directly to water to control aquatic weeds. The amount of silvex used annually in the US prior to 1983 was estimated in 1985 to be 7,000 pounds. Average half-lives for biodegradation of silvex in soils ranged from 12 days for 3 prairie soils to 17 days. Bioconcentration of silvex will not be significant based upon a reported bioconcentration factor of 58 for fish in flowing water. Agricultural workers may be exposed to silvex during spraying operations using herbicides containing this chemical. Exposure may also occur through consumption of contaminated foods, including fruits and milk.
