Influence of Different Factors on the Persistence and Degradation of Aldrin Residues in Soils

Abstract

Aldrin was incorporated once into clay loam and sandy loam soils in three different dosages viz., 3. 9 and 15 kg a. i./ha and its persistence was determined for about 2 years. The residues were found to persist longer in clay loam than in sandy loam soil. The conversion of aldrin into its epoxide, dieldrin, was faster in sandy loam than in clay loam soil and increased progressively upto 261 and 202 days in the two soil types respectively, beyond which, the conversion declined. The combined residues of aldrin and dieldrin, however, persisted longer in sandy loam soil than in clay loam soil. Such variations in persistence have been studied and discussed on factors like soil moisture, micro-organisms, organic matter, etc.