Degradation of dentachlorophenol in simulated lentic environment

The degradation of pcp, formation of tetrachlorophenol and pentachloroanisole, and distribution of metabolites into various components were studied in four aquaria simulating different lentic environments: the oxygen-Rich euphotic epilimnion; oxygen-Rich euphotic littoral zone; low oxygen, dark hypolimnion; and benthic hydrosoil-hypolimnion. Experimental design and sampling methods, reagents, and apparatus are described. Pcp persistence was associated with three environmental variables: the absence of light and hydrosoil, ph near or below 4.8, and low oxygen concentration. This pattern of persistence may indicate that the phenolic form of pcp is more persistent than the phenate salt. Results indicate that pcp may be most persistent in the deoxygenated hypolimnion water of lakes.