ABSTRACT
Release of methoxychlor to the environment is expected to occur primarily due to its use as an insecticide. Other sources of release may include loss during manufacturing, formulation, packaging, and disposal of methoxychlor. Major degradation products are dechlorinated methoxychlor (DMDD) and mono- and di-hydroxy derivatives of methoxychlor and DMDD. Methoxychlor can biodegrade under anaerobic conditions or aerobic condition in sediments. In sediments, methoxychlor was found to have a half-life of >100 days under relatively aerobic conditions and <28 days under anaerobic conditions. Bioconcentration factors for methoxychlor in continuous flow systems have been measured to be 8300 in fathead minnow, 12,000 in mussel, 5000-8570 in snail and 348-1130 in stonefly. The US Food and Drug Administration estimated average daily intake of methoxychlor Fiscal year 1981/1982 0.004 ug/kg body wt/ day. During 1983, methoxychlor was found in precipitation collected on islands in Lake Superior, 0.4-7.4 ppt concn detected.
