Effect of organic matter on the biodegradation of some organochlorine insecticides in submerged soils

The effect of organic matter in the biodegradation of the organochlorine insecticides DDT, endrin, heptachlor, and the four isomers of BHC (α, β, γ, and δ) was studied In two soils under submerged soil condition. The four insecticides were found to degrade biologically at a faster rate in non-sterilized than in sterilized soil. Adding organic matter to the soil seems to increase its organic chemical adsorption of insecticides slightly, but not significantly when compared to initial adsorption in the control soil. When the soil has a relatively high content of organic matter, addition of more organic matter seems to have no effect. When the soil has little organic matter, however, a more pronounced effect is obtained.