Biodegradation of the gamma isomer of benzene hexachloride in submerged soils

Determination of the residual gamma isomer of benzene hexachloride (gamma-BHC) by gas chromatography showed that the insecticide persisted longer in sterilized flooded soils than in nonsterilized flooded soils. A second addition of gamma-BHC to one of the nonsterilized soils. (55 days after the first application) disappepsilonared more rapidly than the first addition. These results strongly indicate biodegradation of gamma-BHC in flooded soils.