Abstract |
The investigation was divided into three phases: development of methodology for determination of pesticides in aquatic systems, determination of the extent of pesticide adsorption on intact lake sediments and on isolated mineral and organo-clay fractions of lake sediments; and an evaluation of the rates and mechanisms of degradation of certain pesticides in the aquatic environment. Methods were developed for the unified determination of light organo chlorine and five organophosphorus insecticides at the 0.06 to 1.0 ug/liter level. Extent of adsorption of gamma-BHC, malathion, and parathion on sediments was determined. The most important factors governing adsorption were pesticide: sediment ratio, sediment concentration, pesticide concentration, and organic matter content. The rate and mechanism of degradation of parathion was determined. (Author) |