THE STABILITY OF DIELDRIN, ALDRIN, LINDANE, CHLORPYRIFOS AND PROTHIOFOS IN STORED ROOF WATER

The stability of dieldrin, aldrin, lindane, chlorpyrifos and prothiofo s was determined in distilled water and in roof water from either galv anised or concrete tanks. Samples were stored in the dark at 23 degree s C. Dieldrin and lindane were stable for the 36 week period. Aldrin d issipated rapidly with a half-life of 4-5 weeks, with no dieldrin bein g formed. Chlorpyrifos and prothiofos also broke down, with half-lives ranging 12-18 weeks and 11-14 weeks respectively. No significant effe ct of water type was found. For the purpose of domestic usage, an acti vated carbon filter would be essential otherwise all contaminated wate r would have to be disposed of safely.