SEVERITY OF PERSISTENCE AND TOXICITY OF HEXACHLOROCYCLOHEXANE (HCH) TO THE ENVIRONMENT- A CURRENT APPROACH

Though the use of Organochlorine pesticides significantly develops the economic status of many developing countries by increasing the crop yield and preventing the vector-borne diseases, but it becomes a serious threat to our environment increasing serious health problems. The persistence of Organochlorine pesticide, Hexachlorocyclohexane (HCH) and its isomers are toxic and cause hepatotoxic, immune-toxic, reproductive, and developmental effects. These become persistent in the soil and environment for a longer period due to their recalcitrant properties and their slow bioconversion into inorganic compounds. Hence, these are biomagnified into the tropic level and cause acute and chronic health problems. Though the use of HCH is banned in developed countries still several developing countries are using lindane (HCH) in domestic and agriculture purposes including India. Different abiotic factors like moisture, pH and Eh, temperature, organic matters affect the persistence of HCH.