Identification of a point source of chlordane contamination from a timber treatment facility

• Published in: Bulletin of environmental contamination and toxicology Vol. 55; no. 2; pp. 289 - 295
• Main Authors: SIMPSON, C. D, SMITH, T. J, BURGGRAAF, S, WILKINS, A. L, LANGDON, A. G, WILCOCK, R. J
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: New York, NY Springer-Verlag 01-08-1995
• Subjects: Applied sciences; Chlordan - analysis; Chlordan - metabolism; Exact sciences and technology; Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry; Industry; Insecticides - analysis; Insecticides - metabolism; New Zealand; Pest Control; Pesticide Residues - analysis; Pesticide Residues - metabolism; Pollution; Pollution sources. Measurement results; Soil and sediments pollution; Soil Pollutants - analysis; New Zealand; New Zealand; Ports and harbors; Content; Pesticides; Pollution source; Wood industry; Soil pollution; Chlordane
• ISSN: 0007-4861; 1432-0800
• DOI: 10.1007/BF00203023

Technical Chlordane is a multi-component chlorinated hydrocarbon pesticide formulation containing in excess of 140 different compounds. Chlordane has been used extensively as a timber preservative in both the LOSP pressure treatment method or as an antibiotic component of the adhesives in plywood manufacture. The widespread use of chlordane, combined with its broad spectrum toxicity, propensity to bioaccumulate, and persistance in the environment make chlordane a significant environmental pollutant. Manukau Harbor is a large (344 km super(2)) shallow inlet adjacent to Auckland city, New Zealand. Earlier studies showed levels of chlordane in Manukau Harbor comparable with heavily industrialised countries such as Japan and the USA. The initial study showed that the levels of contamination increased approaching the Mangere Inlet - Onehunga region of the harbor. A survey of industry in this area indicated that a timber treatment facility was the most likely source. Chlordane can be released into the timber yard by spillage, and by drip from recently treated timber. Since chlordane is virtually insoluble in water, this poses little threat if contained. However, the surface material in the yard is susceptible to erosion by wind and rain, and can easily be carried off the site as dust or sediment in runoff.