Fate of 2, 3, 7, 8 Tetrachlorodibenzo-P-Dioxin (TCDD) in the Environment: Summary and Decontamination Recommendations
Abstract
Studies on the fate of 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) have been conducted on biodegradation plots and field test areas that have received massive quantities of Orange herbicide (a 50:50 mixture of then-butyl esters of 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid [2,4-D] and 2,4,5-trichlorophenoxyacetic acid[2,4,5-T]). From the studies reviewed in this report, it is apparent that (1) TCDD may persist (in biotic and abiotic components) for long periods of time when initially present at extremely high concentrations on the soil surface, (2) TCDD will accumulate in the tissues of rodents, reptiles, birds, fish, and insects when these organisms are exposed to TCDD contaminated soils (however, the levels of TCDD in the tissues apparently do not exceed the levels of TCDD found in the environment) , (3) organisms tolerate, i.e. , based on no observed deleterious effects, soil levels between 10-1,500 ppt TCDD, (4) TCDO is degraded by soil microorganisms, especially when in the presence of other chlorinated hydrocarbons, (5) TCDD is degraded in the presence of sunlight, (6) movement of TCDD in the abiotic portions of the environment can be by wind or water erosion of soil particles, but leaching by water alone does not appear to occur, and (7) TCDD is probably not readily released or degraded in the environment when bound to activated coconut charcoal.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 1976
- Accession Number
- AD1059376
Entities
People
- Alvin L. Young
- Charles E. Thalken
- Eugene L. Arnold
- James M. Cupello
- Lorris G. Cockerham