An evaluation of the persistence in soil of two non-chlorinated insecticides analogous to DDT

Two insecticides 1,1-bis(4-ethoxyphenyl)-2-nitrobutane (ENB) and 1,1-bis(4-ethoxyphenyl)-2-nitropropane (ENP), at concentrations varying from 0.4-40 mg kg^?1 have been examined for persistence in three soils. The proportions of the original compounds recovered decreased rapidly in a clay loam (falling to 50% in 2-6 weeks), decreased slowly in a sand (falling to 50% in 16-64 weeks) and decreased variably in a heavy clay (falling to 50% in 2-10 weeks). After the initial phase, the proportion recovered generally decreased at a slower rate. Breakdown of ENP appeared to proceed via a stepwise oxidation to give 1,1-bis(4-ethoxyphenyl)propan-2-one and 4,4′-diethoxybenzophenone. These products were readily broken down under aerobic conditions and were isolated only from waterlogged or sterile soil. Experiments under sterile conditions indicated that biological breakdown was a major factor and that chemical breakdown was specifically surface-activated.