alpha-HCH
The main constituent of technical HCH
α-HCH has no insecticidal properties. In the past α-HCH residues from Lindane production were often disposed on dumping grounds where they persist for long times.
α-HCH is lipophilic and adheres to soil particles. During rain and run-off and it may enter ground- and surface waters. In the atmosphere it may be transported over long distances adsorbed to dust particles.
Environmentally relevant characteristics of α-HCH include:
- Toxicity
- Persistence in the environment
- Bioaccumulation potential
- Biomagnification potential
- Suspected mutagenicity
- Suspected carcinogenicity
- Suspected reproduction toxicity
Since 1977 the use of technical HCH is banned in the Federal Republic of Germany. In the German Democratic Republic, however, it was still produced and applied until 1990. The main production site was the industrial area around Bitterfeld in Saxony-Anhalt.
Technical HCH was banned in the EU in 1991.
Search data
Specimen
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Bioindicator in rivers and lakes
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Fine insoluble mineral or organic particles in the water phase
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The roe deer is the most common of the larger herbivores (first order-consumer) to be found in the wild in Europe.
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Soil is livelihood and biosphere for humans, animals, plants and soil organisms. All the substances brought in are transported, transformed and/or accumulated in the soil.
Sampling area
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The only high mountains national park in Germany and an area of the Limestone Alps with international relevance
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Important, old-industrialised conurbation in Germany.
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Main water divide between the North- and Baltic Sea
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Longest river in Germany
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Germany's first national park
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Fourth largest river basin in Central Europe
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Region in the chemical triangle of Central Germany
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Germany's largest forest national park
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Second highest and largest low mountain range in Northern Germany
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Germany's largest connected forest area in a range of low mountains
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The Upper Bavarian Tertiary Uplands are a part of the Southern German Molasse Basin
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Second largest river in Europe
Sampling period
1989 - 2022