Accession Number:

AD0773101

Title:

Biodeterioration of Navy Insecticides in the Ocean.

Descriptive Note:

Annual rept. no. 3, 1 Jul 72-30 Jun 73,

Corporate Author:

NAVAL CIVIL ENGINEERING LAB PORT HUENEME CALIF

Personal Author(s):

• Vind,Harold P.
• Muraoka,J. S.
• Mathews,C. W.

Report Date:

1973-12-01

Pagination or Media Count:

13.0

Abstract:

Tests of the persistency and stability of chlorinated insecticides in sea water were completed in June 1973. Insecticide impregnated wood was preleached either in the ocean or in hot sea water and then exposed in aquaria to attack by wood-borers of the species Limnoria tripunctata. In the stability tests, the insecticides were deposted on diatomaceous earth and cultured with marine microorganisms. None of the insecticides were degraded appreciably in one year. It was postulated that the water-insoluble but fat-soluble insecticides were transported from the wood and into the ocean by heat-sensitive microorganisms having lipophilic cell membranes. The concept predicts that insecticides slightly less fat-soluble than DDT will not enter the ocean food chain as readily as DDT. They would not be as hazardous as DDT and yet might be just as toxic and persistent. Modified author abstract

Descriptors:

• *Biodeterioration
• *Insecticides
• *Water pollution
• Hydrocarbons
• DDT
• Oceans
• Chlorination
• Marine borers
• Crustacea

Subject Categories:

• Water Pollution and Control

Distribution Statement:

APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE