Persistence and fate of soil applied c- lindane in a maize ecosystem

Abstract

C-lindane applied to soil surface in a maize ecosystem (one month after planting) was taken up by the plant. Within the first 25 days of treatment, 14C-lindane or its metabolites were found within the entire plant with the greatest concentration in lower leaves (from the ground level); and a sharp buildup of lindane concentration towards the tip of each leaf. Radioactivity and hence pesticide concentration was uniformly distributed in the plant with time; to the extent that measurable levels of uC-compounds were detected in the tussel cob and the grain. This indicated that soil applied lindane was available to the maize plant. The persistence of l4C-lindane in soils of variable organic matter content was also studied. Evidence is presented to show that l4 C-lindane dissipated faster in soils of lower organic matter content. Levels of surface applied pesticides that became bound in the soil increased with time after application and also with increasing organic matter content. 14 C-activity was mainly associated with the top soil layer (0-30 mm)