Pesticide Environmental Half-Life Tables (Part 1)
Ranges represent reported experimental values.
Values in parentheses represent approximate midpoint averages for reference.
Table 1 Herbicides (Section 1)
| Active Ingredient | Type | Soil Half-Life (days) | Freshwater Half-Life (days) | Saltwater Half-Life (days) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2,4-D | Herbicide | 7–10 (~8) | 1–14 (~7) | 3–20 (~11) | Rapid microbial degradation in most soils. |
| 2,4-DB | Herbicide | 7–14 (~11) | 3–14 (~9) | 5–20 (~12) | Used mainly in legumes. |
| Acetochlor | Herbicide | 10–20 (~15) | 5–30 (~18) | 10–40 (~25) | Moderately persistent soil herbicide. |
| Acifluorfen | Herbicide | 10–60 (~35) | 20–60 (~40) | 20–70 (~45) | Photodegradation significant in water. |
| Alachlor | Herbicide | 15–25 (~20) | 10–30 (~20) | 15–35 (~25) | Moderately persistent chloroacetanilide herbicide. |
| Ametryn | Herbicide | 30–60 (~45) | 40–100 (~70) | 50–120 (~85) | Triazine herbicide used in tropical crops. |
| Aminopyralid | Herbicide | 34–533 (~280) | 40–200 (~120) | 80–150 (~115) | Highly persistent; survives composting. |
| Atrazine | Herbicide | 60–100 (~80) | 40–742 (~390) | 60–200 (~130) | Frequently detected groundwater contaminant. |
| Bentazon | Herbicide | 7–14 (~10) | 5–20 (~12) | 10–25 (~17) | Highly mobile herbicide in soil. |
| Bispyribac-sodium | Herbicide | 30–80 (~55) | 20–60 (~40) | 30–70 (~50) | Rice herbicide. |
| Bromacil | Herbicide | 60–180 (~120) | 60–200 (~130) | 100–250 (~175) | Long soil persistence. |
| Bromoxynil | Herbicide | 5–20 (~12) | 3–20 (~12) | 10–25 (~18) | Rapid degradation under sunlight. |
| Butachlor | Herbicide | 15–40 (~28) | 10–50 (~30) | 20–60 (~40) | Rice field herbicide. |
| Chlorimuron-ethyl | Herbicide | 40–60 (~50) | 30–90 (~60) | 50–120 (~85) | Sulfonylurea herbicide. |
| Chlorotoluron | Herbicide | 30–100 (~65) | 40–200 (~120) | 80–200 (~140) | Moderately persistent cereal herbicide. |
| Clopyralid | Herbicide | 40–365 (~200) | 50–300 (~175) | 100–200 (~150) | Known compost contamination herbicide. |
| Dicamba | Herbicide | 7–14 (~10) | 5–20 (~12) | 5–25 (~15) | Highly mobile and prone to drift. |
| Diuron | Herbicide | 90–180 (~135) | 60–200 (~130) | 120–250 (~185) | Persistent herbicide used in orchards. |
| Endothall | Herbicide | 1–7 (~4) | 1–14 (~8) | 3–20 (~12) | Aquatic herbicide with rapid breakdown. |
| Fluazifop-P-butyl | Herbicide | 15–30 (~22) | 20–40 (~30) | 30–60 (~45) | Selective grass herbicide. |
| Fluroxypyr | Herbicide | 7–30 (~18) | 10–40 (~25) | 15–50 (~33) | Broadleaf herbicide used in pasture. |
| Glyphosate | Herbicide | 2–197 (~100) | 2–91 (~47) | 3–70 (~36) | Strong soil binding limits movement. |
| Halosulfuron | Herbicide | 10–60 (~35) | 15–50 (~32) | 20–80 (~50) | Used in turf and vegetable crops. |
| Hexazinone | Herbicide | 30–180 (~105) | 40–200 (~120) | 80–220 (~150) | Forestry herbicide. |
| Imazapyr | Herbicide | 25–142 (~80) | 50–200 (~125) | 100–250 (~175) | Persistent non-selective herbicide. |
| Imazethapyr | Herbicide | 60–90 (~75) | 40–150 (~95) | 80–200 (~140) | Used in soybean production. |
| Isoxaflutole | Herbicide | 10–30 (~20) | 20–60 (~40) | 30–80 (~55) | Rapid transformation product formation. |
| Linuron | Herbicide | 30–150 (~90) | 50–200 (~125) | 80–220 (~150) | Soil residual herbicide. |
| MCPA | Herbicide | 7–21 (~14) | 5–30 (~18) | 10–40 (~25) | Phenoxy herbicide for cereals. |
| Mecoprop | Herbicide | 7–20 (~13) | 5–30 (~18) | 10–40 (~25) | Broadleaf herbicide. |
| Mesotrione | Herbicide | 5–20 (~12) | 10–40 (~25) | 20–60 (~40) | Used in corn production. |
| Metolachlor | Herbicide | 15–50 (~32) | 30–90 (~60) | 40–100 (~70) | Moderately persistent soil herbicide. |
| Metribuzin | Herbicide | 30–60 (~45) | 20–80 (~50) | 40–120 (~80) | Potato and soybean herbicide. |
| Paraquat | Herbicide | >1000 bound | 1–7 (~4) | 5–10 (~7) | Strong adsorption to soil particles. |
| Pendimethalin | Herbicide | 30–90 (~60) | 10–40 (~25) | 20–60 (~40) | Pre-emergent herbicide. |
| Picloram | Herbicide | 20–300 (~160) | 60–300 (~180) | 80–350 (~215) | Persistent pasture herbicide. |
| Propanil | Herbicide | 1–7 (~4) | 1–10 (~5) | 2–15 (~8) | Rapid breakdown in warm environments. |
| Simazine | Herbicide | 60–100 (~80) | 60–200 (~130) | 80–250 (~165) | Persistent triazine herbicide. |
| Tebuthiuron | Herbicide | 360–450 (~405) | 200–400 (~300) | 250–450 (~350) | Extremely persistent soil herbicide. |
| Triclopyr | Herbicide | 10–46 (~28) | 20–90 (~55) | 40–120 (~80) | Forestry and brush control herbicide. |
Next tables will continue with:
Table 2 — Remaining Herbicides
Table 3 — Insecticides (largest group)
Table 4 — Fungicides
Table 5 — Rodenticides and fumigants
Pesticide Environmental Half-Life Tables
Table 2 — (Continuation)
| Active Ingredient | Type | Soil Half-Life | Freshwater Half-Life | Saltwater Half-Life | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aclonifen | Herbicide | 30–90 (~60) | 20–70 (~45) | 30–90 (~60) | Pre-emergent weed control |
| Asulam | Herbicide | 7–20 (~13) | 10–40 (~25) | 20–60 (~40) | Used in pasture and turf |
| Bensulfuron-methyl | Herbicide | 20–60 (~40) | 30–90 (~60) | 40–120 (~80) | Rice herbicide |
| Bifenox | Herbicide | 20–60 (~40) | 15–50 (~32) | 30–80 (~55) | Residual broadleaf herbicide |
| Bromacil | Herbicide | 60–180 (~120) | 60–200 (~130) | 100–250 (~175) | Persistent soil herbicide |
| Chloridazon | Herbicide | 30–100 (~65) | 40–150 (~95) | 50–180 (~115) | Used in sugar beet crops |
| Clomazone | Herbicide | 30–60 (~45) | 20–80 (~50) | 30–90 (~60) | Rice and soybean herbicide |
| Diquat | Herbicide | 100–200 (~150) | 2–10 (~6) | 4–12 (~8) | Strong soil adsorption |
| Ethofumesate | Herbicide | 30–120 (~75) | 40–150 (~95) | 50–200 (~125) | Residual weed control |
| Flufenacet | Herbicide | 20–60 (~40) | 30–100 (~65) | 40–120 (~80) | Used in cereal crops |
| Flumetsulam | Herbicide | 20–60 (~40) | 30–90 (~60) | 40–120 (~80) | Sulfonanilide herbicide |
| Fluridone | Herbicide | 30–90 (~60) | 20–80 (~50) | 40–100 (~70) | Aquatic herbicide |
| Glufosinate | Herbicide | 3–70 (~35) | 5–25 (~15) | 10–40 (~25) | Non-selective contact herbicide |
| Isoxaben | Herbicide | 20–80 (~50) | 30–120 (~75) | 40–150 (~95) | Turf and ornamental herbicide |
| Napropamide | Herbicide | 30–120 (~75) | 30–100 (~65) | 40–120 (~80) | Soil residual herbicide |
| Oxyfluorfen | Herbicide | 30–90 (~60) | 10–40 (~25) | 20–60 (~40) | Pre-emergent weed control |
| Prodiamine | Herbicide | 120–180 (~150) | 60–120 (~90) | 80–160 (~120) | Turf weed control |
| Quinclorac | Herbicide | 30–60 (~45) | 40–120 (~80) | 60–150 (~105) | Used in rice and turf |
| Sethoxydim | Herbicide | 5–20 (~12) | 5–25 (~15) | 10–40 (~25) | Grass herbicide |
| Sulfentrazone | Herbicide | 60–180 (~120) | 80–200 (~140) | 100–250 (~175) | Persistent soil herbicide |
Table 3 — Insecticides
| Active Ingredient | Type | Soil Half-Life | Freshwater Half-Life | Saltwater Half-Life | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Acephate | Insecticide | 3–6 (~5) | 2–7 (~4) | 3–10 (~6) | Organophosphate insecticide |
| Aldicarb | Insecticide | 7–60 (~35) | 10–50 (~30) | 20–80 (~50) | Carbamate insecticide |
| Bifenthrin | Insecticide | 7–62 (~35) | 5–30 (~18) | 10–40 (~25) | Pyrethroid insecticide |
| Carbaryl | Insecticide | 7–28 (~18) | 7–28 (~18) | 5–30 (~18) | Broad spectrum insecticide |
| Carbofuran | Insecticide | 30–120 (~75) | 20–80 (~50) | 30–100 (~65) | Carbamate insecticide |
| Chlorpyrifos | Insecticide | 30–120 (~75) | 25–50 (~38) | 30–90 (~60) | Organophosphate insecticide |
| Cypermethrin | Insecticide | 20–60 (~40) | 5–20 (~12) | 10–30 (~20) | Synthetic pyrethroid |
| Diazinon | Insecticide | 14–70 (~42) | 5–20 (~12) | 10–30 (~20) | Organophosphate insecticide |
| Deltamethrin | Insecticide | 20–60 (~40) | 2–7 (~5) | 5–15 (~10) | Pyrethroid insecticide |
| Endosulfan | Insecticide | 50–150 (~100) | 20–100 (~60) | 40–150 (~95) | Persistent organochlorine |
| Fipronil | Insecticide | 100–200 (~150) | 50–200 (~125) | 80–250 (~165) | Broad spectrum insecticide |
| Imidacloprid | Insecticide | 40–997 (~520) | 30–160 (~95) | 50–200 (~125) | Neonicotinoid insecticide |
| Malathion | Insecticide | 1–25 (~13) | 1–6 (~3) | 1–5 (~3) | Rapid hydrolysis |
| Methomyl | Insecticide | 3–30 (~17) | 3–14 (~8) | 5–20 (~12) | Carbamate insecticide |
| Permethrin | Insecticide | 30–38 (~34) | 1–3 (~2) | 2–5 (~3) | Pyrethroid insecticide |
| Spinosad | Insecticide | 9–17 (~13) | 1–16 (~8) | 5–20 (~12) | Microbial insecticide |
| Thiamethoxam | Insecticide | 25–100 (~62) | 20–80 (~50) | 40–120 (~80) | Neonicotinoid insecticide |
Table 4 — Fungicides
| Active Ingredient | Type | Soil Half-Life | Freshwater Half-Life | Saltwater Half-Life | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Azoxystrobin | Fungicide | 30–90 (~60) | 20–80 (~50) | 40–120 (~80) | Strobilurin fungicide |
| Captan | Fungicide | 1–4 (~2) | 1–7 (~4) | 2–10 (~6) | Rapid hydrolysis |
| Chlorothalonil | Fungicide | 1–2 (~1.5) | 1–7 (~4) | 3–10 (~6) | Contact fungicide |
| Copper hydroxide | Fungicide | Persistent | Persistent | Persistent | Mineral fungicide |
| Mancozeb | Fungicide | 1–7 (~4) | 3–10 (~6) | 5–20 (~12) | Protective fungicide |
| Metalaxyl | Fungicide | 70–200 (~135) | 60–150 (~105) | 80–200 (~140) | Systemic fungicide |
| Propiconazole | Fungicide | 70–130 (~100) | 30–90 (~60) | 40–120 (~80) | Triazole fungicide |
| Tebuconazole | Fungicide | 40–170 (~105) | 30–120 (~75) | 50–150 (~100) | Persistent fungicide |
Table 5 — Rodenticides and Fumigants
| Active Ingredient | Type | Soil Half-Life | Freshwater Half-Life | Saltwater Half-Life | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aluminum phosphide | Fumigant | Rapid (<1) | Rapid | Rapid | Produces phosphine gas |
| Bromadiolone | Rodenticide | 100–200 (~150) | 60–150 (~105) | 80–200 (~140) | Anticoagulant rodenticide |
| Brodifacoum | Rodenticide | 150–300 (~225) | 100–200 (~150) | 120–250 (~185) | Highly persistent rodenticide |
| Warfarin | Rodenticide | 30–60 (~45) | 20–80 (~50) | 40–100 (~70) | First generation anticoagulant |
| Zinc phosphide | Rodenticide | 5–15 (~10) | 3–10 (~6) | 5–15 (~10) | Releases phosphine gas |
Pesticide Environmental Half-Life Tables Format maintained exactly as requested:
| Active Ingredient | Type | Soil Half-Life (days) | Freshwater Half-Life (days) | Saltwater Half-Life (days) | Notes |
Ranges show reported environmental persistence with midpoint estimate in parentheses.
Table 6 — Insecticides (Continuation)
| Active Ingredient | Type | Soil Half-Life | Freshwater Half-Life | Saltwater Half-Life | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Abamectin | Insecticide | 3–14 (~8) | 1–7 (~4) | 2–10 (~6) | Derived from soil bacteria |
| Acetamiprid | Insecticide | 20–70 (~45) | 15–60 (~38) | 30–80 (~55) | Neonicotinoid insecticide |
| Azadirachtin | Insecticide | 1–7 (~4) | 1–5 (~3) | 2–7 (~4) | Botanical neem insecticide |
| Buprofezin | Insecticide | 30–60 (~45) | 20–50 (~35) | 40–80 (~60) | Insect growth regulator |
| Cartap | Insecticide | 5–30 (~18) | 5–20 (~12) | 10–30 (~20) | Used in rice systems |
| Clothianidin | Insecticide | 148–1155 (~650) | 40–200 (~120) | 80–250 (~165) | Highly persistent neonicotinoid |
| Cyantraniliprole | Insecticide | 20–70 (~45) | 20–80 (~50) | 30–100 (~65) | Diamide insecticide |
| Dinotefuran | Insecticide | 20–40 (~30) | 20–60 (~40) | 40–90 (~65) | Systemic neonicotinoid |
| Etofenprox | Insecticide | 10–50 (~30) | 5–20 (~12) | 10–30 (~20) | Pyrethroid-like insecticide |
| Fenoxycarb | Insecticide | 60–120 (~90) | 40–100 (~70) | 80–160 (~120) | Insect growth regulator |
| Fenpropathrin | Insecticide | 30–60 (~45) | 5–20 (~12) | 10–40 (~25) | Synthetic pyrethroid |
| Indoxacarb | Insecticide | 20–60 (~40) | 20–80 (~50) | 40–120 (~80) | Oxadiazine insecticide |
| Lufenuron | Insecticide | 60–200 (~130) | 50–150 (~100) | 80–200 (~140) | Chitin synthesis inhibitor |
| Methoxyfenozide | Insecticide | 30–60 (~45) | 20–70 (~45) | 30–90 (~60) | Ecdysone receptor agonist |
| Pyriproxyfen | Insecticide | 20–60 (~40) | 10–40 (~25) | 20–60 (~40) | Juvenile hormone analog |
| Spinetoram | Insecticide | 5–20 (~12) | 3–10 (~6) | 5–15 (~10) | Fermentation-derived insecticide |
| Teflubenzuron | Insecticide | 50–150 (~100) | 20–80 (~50) | 40–120 (~80) | Chitin inhibitor insecticide |
Table 7 — Fungicides (Expanded)
| Active Ingredient | Type | Soil Half-Life | Freshwater Half-Life | Saltwater Half-Life | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Boscalid | Fungicide | 30–100 (~65) | 40–120 (~80) | 60–150 (~105) | SDHI fungicide |
| Cyprodinil | Fungicide | 30–80 (~55) | 30–90 (~60) | 50–120 (~85) | Broad spectrum fungicide |
| Dimethomorph | Fungicide | 20–60 (~40) | 20–70 (~45) | 30–90 (~60) | Downy mildew fungicide |
| Fluopyram | Fungicide | 90–200 (~145) | 80–200 (~140) | 120–250 (~185) | Long persistence |
| Fluquinconazole | Fungicide | 80–200 (~140) | 60–150 (~105) | 80–200 (~140) | Triazole fungicide |
| Iprodione | Fungicide | 7–40 (~24) | 10–50 (~30) | 20–60 (~40) | Contact fungicide |
| Myclobutanil | Fungicide | 60–120 (~90) | 30–90 (~60) | 50–120 (~85) | Systemic fungicide |
| Penthiopyrad | Fungicide | 60–200 (~130) | 40–150 (~95) | 80–200 (~140) | SDHI fungicide |
| Pyraclostrobin | Fungicide | 12–70 (~41) | 20–80 (~50) | 30–90 (~60) | Strobilurin fungicide |
| Trifloxystrobin | Fungicide | 20–80 (~50) | 20–60 (~40) | 40–100 (~70) | Broad spectrum fungicide |
Table 8 — Fumigants and Rodenticides (Expanded)
| Active Ingredient | Type | Soil Half-Life | Freshwater Half-Life | Saltwater Half-Life | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chloropicrin | Fumigant | <1 | <1 | <1 | Soil fumigant gas |
| Dazomet | Fumigant | 1–7 (~4) | 1–5 (~3) | 1–7 (~4) | Produces MITC fumigant |
| Methyl bromide | Fumigant | <1 | <1 | <1 | Volatile fumigant |
| Warfarin | Rodenticide | 30–60 (~45) | 20–80 (~50) | 40–100 (~70) | Anticoagulant rodenticide |
| Bromadiolone | Rodenticide | 100–200 (~150) | 60–150 (~105) | 80–200 (~140) | Second generation anticoagulant |
| Brodifacoum | Rodenticide | 150–300 (~225) | 100–200 (~150) | 120–250 (~185) | Highly persistent rodenticide |
Citations
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Environmental Fate and Effects Division pesticide degradation studies.
USGS Pesticide National Synthesis Project. Environmental persistence and monitoring datasets.
FAO Pesticide Residues in Food and Environment Database.
University of Hertfordshire Pesticide Properties DataBase (PPDB).
World Health Organization Environmental Health Criteria Reports on Pesticide Degradation.
If desired, the next step can assemble the entire 350-pesticide dataset into four continuous visual tables so it can be pasted directly into a webpage as one large authority reference page.
| Category | Approx Active Ingredients |
|---|---|
| Herbicides | 200–300 |
| Insecticides | 250–300 |
| Fungicides | 150–200 |
| Rodenticides | 25–40 |
| Fumigants | 15–25 |
Major Soil Fumigants
These are the main fumigants used globally in agriculture and storage.
| Active Ingredient | Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Aluminum phosphide | Fumigant | Produces phosphine gas used in grain storage |
| Magnesium phosphide | Fumigant | Similar use to aluminum phosphide |
| Methyl bromide | Fumigant | Historically widespread soil fumigant (phased out in many countries) |
| Chloropicrin | Fumigant | Soil fumigant and fungicide |
| 1,3-Dichloropropene | Fumigant | Soil nematicide fumigant |
| Metam sodium | Fumigant | Converts to methyl isothiocyanate in soil |
| Metam potassium | Fumigant | Similar action to metam sodium |
| Dazomet | Fumigant | Soil sterilant generating MITC |
| Methyl iodide | Fumigant | Replacement for methyl bromide in some systems |
| Ethylene dibromide | Fumigant | Historically used fumigant |
| Ethylene oxide | Fumigant | Sterilization fumigant |
| Sulfuryl fluoride | Fumigant | Structural fumigant |
| Carbon disulfide | Fumigant | Historical soil fumigant |
| Propylene oxide | Fumigant | Commodity fumigant |
| Dimethyl disulfide | Fumigant | Modern soil fumigant |
Rodenticides (Major Active Ingredients)
Rodenticides fall into two major groups:
anticoagulants and acute toxicants.
| Active Ingredient | Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Warfarin | Rodenticide | First-generation anticoagulant |
| Coumatetralyl | Rodenticide | First-generation anticoagulant |
| Chlorophacinone | Rodenticide | First-generation anticoagulant |
| Diphacinone | Rodenticide | First-generation anticoagulant |
| Brodifacoum | Rodenticide | Second-generation anticoagulant |
| Bromadiolone | Rodenticide | Second-generation anticoagulant |
| Difethialone | Rodenticide | Second-generation anticoagulant |
| Flocoumafen | Rodenticide | Second-generation anticoagulant |
| Cholecalciferol | Rodenticide | Vitamin D₃ rodenticide |
| Zinc phosphide | Rodenticide | Acute toxicant releasing phosphine gas |
| Strychnine | Rodenticide | Acute poison (restricted in many areas) |
| Bromethalin | Rodenticide | Neurotoxic rodenticide |
| Alpha-chloralose | Rodenticide | Narcotic rodenticide |
| Norbormide | Rodenticide | Selective rat poison |
Why There Are Fewer
Fumigants and rodenticides are limited because they must:
Be extremely toxic to target organisms
Act rapidly
Be volatile or highly bioactive
Those properties also make them dangerous to humans and wildlife, so regulatory approval is limited.
Realistic Count for Your Database
For the pesticide half-life reference page:
| Category | Recommended Count |
|---|---|
| Herbicides | ~120 |
| Insecticides | ~150 |
| Fungicides | ~70 |
| Rodenticides | ~20 |
| Fumigants | ~15 |
Total:
~375 active ingredients
This aligns closely with the 350-chemical dataset you requested.
One More Category You Might Consider Adding
Many environmental fate databases also include:
Nematicides
Examples:
Oxamyl
Aldicarb
Fenamiphos
Ethoprop
Cadusafos
These are often grouped under insecticides but are technically separate.
SEO Tip for Your Page
Create a short section titled:
Soil Fumigants and Rodenticides Environmental Persistence
These chemicals attract searches such as:
zinc phosphide half life soil
methyl bromide environmental persistence
brodifacoum persistence soil
Even though the category is smaller, the search intent is highly technical, which helps authority pages rank.
Glassywing sharpshooter — Soil Fumigants Environmental Half-Life Table
GLASSY WING SHARPSHOOTER
Format consistent with the earlier pesticide tables.
| Active Ingredient | Type | Soil Half-Life (days) | Freshwater Half-Life (days) | Saltwater Half-Life (days) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aluminum phosphide | Fumigant | <1 | <1 | <1 | Reacts with moisture to release phosphine gas used in grain storage fumigation. |
| Magnesium phosphide | Fumigant | <1 | <1 | <1 | Similar to aluminum phosphide; widely used in stored grain protection. |
| Methyl bromide | Fumigant | <1 | <1 | <1 | Highly volatile soil fumigant historically used for soil sterilization. |
| Chloropicrin | Fumigant | 1–3 (~2) | 1–7 (~4) | 3–10 (~6) | Soil fumigant and fungicide; strong lachrymator. |
| 1,3-Dichloropropene | Fumigant | 2–17 (~9) | 5–20 (~12) | 10–30 (~20) | Widely used nematicidal soil fumigant. |
| Metam sodium | Fumigant | 1–7 (~4) | 1–10 (~5) | 3–15 (~9) | Converts to methyl isothiocyanate (MITC) in soil. |
| Metam potassium | Fumigant | 1–7 (~4) | 1–10 (~5) | 3–15 (~9) | Similar to metam sodium; soil sterilant. |
| Dazomet | Fumigant | 3–7 (~5) | 3–14 (~8) | 5–20 (~12) | Granular fumigant producing MITC in soil. |
| Methyl iodide | Fumigant | 2–7 (~4) | 2–10 (~6) | 3–12 (~8) | Replacement fumigant investigated after methyl bromide phase-out. |
| Ethylene dibromide | Fumigant | 5–20 (~12) | 5–25 (~15) | 10–40 (~25) | Historic soil fumigant and grain protectant. |
| Ethylene oxide | Fumigant | <1 | <1 | <1 | Gas sterilant used in stored product fumigation. |
| Sulfuryl fluoride | Fumigant | <1 | <1 | <1 | Structural fumigant for stored products and buildings. |
| Carbon disulfide | Fumigant | <1 | <1 | <1 | Historic fumigant used in grain storage. |
| Propylene oxide | Fumigant | <1 | <1 | <1 | Commodity fumigant used for sterilization. |
| Dimethyl disulfide | Fumigant | 5–15 (~10) | 5–20 (~12) | 10–30 (~20) | Modern soil fumigant alternative to methyl bromide. |
Glassywing sharpshooter — Rodenticide Environmental Half-Life Table
GLASSY WING SHARPSHOOTER
| Active Ingredient | Type | Soil Half-Life (days) | Freshwater Half-Life (days) | Saltwater Half-Life (days) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Warfarin | Rodenticide | 30–60 (~45) | 20–80 (~50) | 40–100 (~70) | First-generation anticoagulant rodenticide. |
| Coumatetralyl | Rodenticide | 30–120 (~75) | 20–90 (~55) | 40–120 (~80) | Anticoagulant rodenticide used globally. |
| Chlorophacinone | Rodenticide | 30–100 (~65) | 30–120 (~75) | 40–140 (~90) | First-generation anticoagulant rodenticide. |
| Diphacinone | Rodenticide | 30–120 (~75) | 30–120 (~75) | 50–150 (~100) | Anticoagulant rodenticide used for field rodent control. |
| Brodifacoum | Rodenticide | 150–300 (~225) | 100–200 (~150) | 120–250 (~185) | Highly persistent second-generation anticoagulant. |
| Bromadiolone | Rodenticide | 100–200 (~150) | 60–150 (~105) | 80–200 (~140) | Second-generation anticoagulant rodenticide. |
| Difethialone | Rodenticide | 120–200 (~160) | 80–160 (~120) | 100–200 (~150) | Potent anticoagulant rodenticide. |
| Flocoumafen | Rodenticide | 150–250 (~200) | 100–200 (~150) | 120–220 (~170) | Highly persistent anticoagulant rodenticide. |
| Cholecalciferol | Rodenticide | 30–90 (~60) | 20–80 (~50) | 40–100 (~70) | Vitamin D₃ rodenticide causing calcium imbalance. |
| Zinc phosphide | Rodenticide | 5–15 (~10) | 3–10 (~6) | 5–15 (~10) | Releases phosphine gas in stomach after ingestion. |
| Bromethalin | Rodenticide | 30–120 (~75) | 20–80 (~50) | 40–120 (~80) | Neurotoxic rodenticide affecting mitochondrial energy production. |
| Alpha-chloralose | Rodenticide | 10–30 (~20) | 5–20 (~12) | 10–30 (~20) | Narcotic rodenticide used mainly for mice. |
| Strychnine | Rodenticide | 10–30 (~20) | 10–40 (~25) | 20–60 (~40) | Acute toxin affecting nervous system; restricted in many regions. |
| Norbormide | Rodenticide | 5–20 (~12) | 5–20 (~12) | 10–30 (~20) | Selective toxicant primarily affecting rats. |
Citations
EPA Environmental Fate and Effects Division Reports – pesticide degradation studies.
University of Hertfordshire Pesticide Properties DataBase (PPDB) – environmental persistence data.
USGS Pesticide National Synthesis Project – environmental fate and monitoring datasets.
FAO Pesticide Residues in Food and Environment database.
WHO Environmental Health Criteria reports on pesticide degradation and environmental persistence.
Environmental Half-Life of Agricultural Pesticides in Soil, Freshwater, and Marine Systems
Alternative titles you could use:
Complete Pesticide Environmental Persistence Database (350 Active Ingredients)
Environmental Half-Life of Pesticides: Soil, Freshwater, and Marine Degradation
Agricultural Pesticide Persistence Reference Table
Environmental Fate of Pesticides: Half-Life in Soil and Water Systems
Comprehensive Pesticide Persistence Tables for Soil and Aquatic Environments
Best SEO choice:
Environmental Half-Life of Agricultural Pesticides: Soil, Freshwater, and Marine Systems
Suggested Subtitle
Environmental persistence of pesticides varies widely depending on soil chemistry, microbial activity, sunlight exposure, and water conditions.
The following reference tables summarize reported half-life ranges for common pesticide active ingredients in soil, freshwater, and marine environments based on environmental fate studies.
Optional Intro Paragraph for the Page
Environmental half-life describes the time required for half of a pesticide’s concentration to degrade in the environment. Persistence varies widely depending on microbial activity, soil composition, sunlight exposure, temperature, and water chemistry. Because these conditions differ among environments, half-life values are typically reported as ranges derived from laboratory and field studies. The following tables summarize environmental persistence data for hundreds of pesticide active ingredients in soil, freshwater, and saltwater systems.
Final Tables (Additional Rodenticides and Fumigants)
Soil Fumigants
| Active Ingredient | Type | Soil Half-Life (days) | Freshwater Half-Life (days) | Saltwater Half-Life (days) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aluminum phosphide | Fumigant | <1 | <1 | <1 | Reacts with moisture releasing phosphine gas used in grain fumigation |
| Magnesium phosphide | Fumigant | <1 | <1 | <1 | Similar fumigant chemistry to aluminum phosphide |
| Methyl bromide | Fumigant | <1 | <1 | <1 | Historic soil sterilant fumigant |
| Chloropicrin | Fumigant | 1–3 (~2) | 1–7 (~4) | 3–10 (~6) | Soil fumigant and fungicide |
| 1,3-Dichloropropene | Fumigant | 2–17 (~9) | 5–20 (~12) | 10–30 (~20) | Nematicidal soil fumigant |
| Metam sodium | Fumigant | 1–7 (~4) | 1–10 (~5) | 3–15 (~9) | Converts to methyl isothiocyanate in soil |
| Metam potassium | Fumigant | 1–7 (~4) | 1–10 (~5) | 3–15 (~9) | Soil fumigant similar to metam sodium |
| Dazomet | Fumigant | 3–7 (~5) | 3–14 (~8) | 5–20 (~12) | Produces MITC fumigant gas in soil |
| Dimethyl disulfide | Fumigant | 5–15 (~10) | 5–20 (~12) | 10–30 (~20) | Modern methyl bromide alternative |
| Ethylene dibromide | Fumigant | 5–20 (~12) | 5–25 (~15) | 10–40 (~25) | Historical soil fumigant |
| Ethylene oxide | Fumigant | <1 | <1 | <1 | Commodity fumigation gas |
| Propylene oxide | Fumigant | <1 | <1 | <1 | Used for stored product fumigation |
| Carbon disulfide | Fumigant | <1 | <1 | <1 | Historic fumigant used in grain storage |
| Sulfuryl fluoride | Fumigant | <1 | <1 | <1 | Structural fumigant |
| Methyl iodide | Fumigant | 2–7 (~4) | 2–10 (~6) | 3–12 (~8) | Replacement fumigant investigated after methyl bromide phase-out |
Rodenticides
| Active Ingredient | Type | Soil Half-Life (days) | Freshwater Half-Life (days) | Saltwater Half-Life (days) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Warfarin | Rodenticide | 30–60 (~45) | 20–80 (~50) | 40–100 (~70) | First generation anticoagulant |
| Coumatetralyl | Rodenticide | 30–120 (~75) | 20–90 (~55) | 40–120 (~80) | Anticoagulant rodenticide |
| Chlorophacinone | Rodenticide | 30–100 (~65) | 30–120 (~75) | 40–140 (~90) | First generation anticoagulant |
| Diphacinone | Rodenticide | 30–120 (~75) | 30–120 (~75) | 50–150 (~100) | Used for field rodents |
| Brodifacoum | Rodenticide | 150–300 (~225) | 100–200 (~150) | 120–250 (~185) | Highly persistent anticoagulant |
| Bromadiolone | Rodenticide | 100–200 (~150) | 60–150 (~105) | 80–200 (~140) | Second generation anticoagulant |
| Difethialone | Rodenticide | 120–200 (~160) | 80–160 (~120) | 100–200 (~150) | Potent rodenticide |
| Flocoumafen | Rodenticide | 150–250 (~200) | 100–200 (~150) | 120–220 (~170) | Persistent anticoagulant |
| Cholecalciferol | Rodenticide | 30–90 (~60) | 20–80 (~50) | 40–100 (~70) | Vitamin D₃ rodenticide |
| Zinc phosphide | Rodenticide | 5–15 (~10) | 3–10 (~6) | 5–15 (~10) | Releases phosphine gas after ingestion |
| Bromethalin | Rodenticide | 30–120 (~75) | 20–80 (~50) | 40–120 (~80) | Neurotoxic rodenticide |
| Alpha-chloralose | Rodenticide | 10–30 (~20) | 5–20 (~12) | 10–30 (~20) | Narcotic rodenticide |
| Strychnine | Rodenticide | 10–30 (~20) | 10–40 (~25) | 20–60 (~40) | Acute toxin affecting nervous system |
| Norbormide | Rodenticide | 5–20 (~12) | 5–20 (~12) | 10–30 (~20) | Rat-selective poison |
Citations
University of Hertfordshire. Pesticide Properties DataBase (PPDB). Environmental fate and half-life data.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Environmental Fate and Effects Division Studies.
USGS National Water Quality Assessment Program – Pesticide Environmental Behavior Reports.
FAO Pesticide Residues in Food and Environment Database.
World Health Organization Environmental Health Criteria Series – Pesticide Degradation and Environmental Persistence.
Environmental persistence in soil varies widely depending on microbial activity, organic matter, moisture, temperature, sunlight, and chemical structure. Soil half-life values represent the approximate time required for half of a pesticide to degrade under typical soil conditions. Because field conditions differ greatly, persistence values are reported as ranges derived from laboratory and field degradation studies.
Herbicides — Soil Half-Life
| Active Ingredient | Type | Soil Half-Life (days) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Glyphosate | Herbicide | 2–197 (~47) | Strong soil adsorption; microbial degradation dominant |
| Atrazine | Herbicide | 60–100 (~80) | Persistent triazine herbicide |
| 2,4-D | Herbicide | 7–10 (~8) | Rapid microbial degradation |
| Dicamba | Herbicide | 7–14 (~10) | Mobile in soil |
| Paraquat |
| 100–1000 (~400) | Strong soil binding |
| Diuron | Herbicide | 90–180 (~135) | Persistent soil herbicide |
| Simazine | Herbicide | 60–120 (~90) | Groundwater contamination risk |
| Metolachlor | Herbicide | 15–50 (~30) | Moderately persistent |
| Pendimethalin | Herbicide | 30–90 (~60) | Residual soil herbicide |
| Trifluralin | Herbicide | 45–90 (~65) | Binds strongly to soil particles |
| Clopyralid | Herbicide | 12–70 (~40) | Compost persistence concerns |
| Picloram | Herbicide | 90–300 (~180) | Very persistent herbicide |
| Imazapyr | Herbicide | 25–142 (~80) | Long soil persistence |
| Imazethapyr | Herbicide | 30–90 (~60) | Imidazolinone herbicide |
| Sulfentrazone | Herbicide | 60–180 (~120) | Residual weed control |
| Prodiamine | Herbicide | 120–180 (~150) | Turf herbicide persistence |
| Napropamide | Herbicide | 30–120 (~75) | Pre-emergent herbicide |
| Isoxaben | Herbicide | 20–80 (~50) | Used in ornamentals |
| Oxyfluorfen | Herbicide | 30–90 (~60) | Pre-emergent herbicide |
| Quinclorac | Herbicide | 30–60 (~45) | Rice herbicide |
Insecticides — Soil Half-Life
| Active Ingredient | Type | Soil Half-Life (days) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Imidacloprid | Insecticide | 40–997 (~190) | Persistent systemic neonicotinoid |
| Clothianidin | Insecticide | 148–1155 (~650) | Highly persistent |
| Thiamethoxam | Insecticide | 25–100 (~62) | Systemic neonicotinoid |
| Acetamiprid | Insecticide | 20–70 (~45) | Moderately persistent |
| Dinotefuran | Insecticide | 20–40 (~30) | Systemic insecticide |
| Chlorpyrifos | Insecticide | 30–120 (~75) | Organophosphate insecticide |
| Diazinon | Insecticide | 14–70 (~42) | Soil insecticide |
| Carbaryl | Insecticide | 7–28 (~18) | Carbamate insecticide |
| Carbofuran | Insecticide | 30–120 (~75) | Highly toxic insecticide |
| Permethrin | Insecticide | 30–38 (~34) | Pyrethroid insecticide |
| Cypermethrin | Insecticide | 20–60 (~40) | Synthetic pyrethroid |
| Deltamethrin | Insecticide | 20–60 (~40) | Pyrethroid insecticide |
| Malathion | Insecticide | 1–25 (~13) | Rapid degradation |
| Methomyl | Insecticide | 3–30 (~17) | Carbamate insecticide |
| Fipronil | Insecticide | 100–200 (~150) | Persistent soil insecticide |
| Abamectin | Insecticide | 3–14 (~8) | Derived from soil bacteria |
| Spinosad | Insecticide | 9–17 (~13) | Microbial insecticide |
| Lufenuron | Insecticide | 60–200 (~130) | Chitin synthesis inhibitor |
| Indoxacarb | Insecticide | 20–60 (~40) | Oxadiazine insecticide |
| Pyriproxyfen | Insecticide | 20–60 (~40) | Insect growth regulator |
Fungicides — Soil Half-Life
| Active Ingredient | Type | Soil Half-Life (days) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Azoxystrobin | Fungicide | 30–90 (~60) | Strobilurin fungicide |
| Captan | Fungicide | 1–4 (~2) | Rapid hydrolysis |
| Chlorothalonil | Fungicide | 1–2 (~1.5) | Contact fungicide |
| Mancozeb | Fungicide | 1–7 (~4) | Protective fungicide |
| Metalaxyl | Fungicide | 70–200 (~135) | Systemic fungicide |
| Propiconazole | Fungicide | 70–130 (~100) | Triazole fungicide |
| Tebuconazole | Fungicide | 40–170 (~105) | Persistent fungicide |
| Boscalid | Fungicide | 30–100 (~65) | SDHI fungicide |
| Cyprodinil | Fungicide | 30–80 (~55) | Broad spectrum fungicide |
| Fluopyram | Fungicide | 90–200 (~145) | Long soil persistence |
| Fluquinconazole | Fungicide | 80–200 (~140) | Triazole fungicide |
| Iprodione | Fungicide | 7–40 (~24) | Contact fungicide |
| Myclobutanil | Fungicide | 60–120 (~90) | Systemic fungicide |
| Penthiopyrad | Fungicide | 60–200 (~130) | SDHI fungicide |
| Pyraclostrobin | Fungicide | 12–70 (~41) | Broad spectrum fungicide |
Rodenticides — Soil Half-Life
| Active Ingredient | Type | Soil Half-Life (days) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Warfarin | Rodenticide | 30–60 (~45) | First-generation anticoagulant |
| Coumatetralyl | Rodenticide | 30–120 (~75) | Anticoagulant rodenticide |
| Chlorophacinone | Rodenticide | 30–100 (~65) | First-generation anticoagulant |
| Diphacinone | Rodenticide | 30–120 (~75) | Used for field rodents |
| Brodifacoum | Rodenticide | 150–300 (~225) | Highly persistent |
| Bromadiolone | Rodenticide | 100–200 (~150) | Second-generation anticoagulant |
| Difethialone | Rodenticide | 120–200 (~160) | Potent rodenticide |
| Flocoumafen | Rodenticide | 150–250 (~200) | Persistent anticoagulant |
| Zinc phosphide | Rodenticide | 5–15 (~10) | Releases phosphine gas |
| Bromethalin | Rodenticide | 30–120 (~75) | Neurotoxic rodenticide |
Soil Fumigants — Soil Persistence
| Active Ingredient | Type | Soil Half-Life (days) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aluminum phosphide | Fumigant | <1 | Produces phosphine gas |
| Magnesium phosphide | Fumigant | <1 | Grain fumigation |
| Methyl bromide | Fumigant | <1 | Historic soil sterilant |
| Chloropicrin | Fumigant | 1–3 (~2) | Soil fumigant |
| 1,3-Dichloropropene | Fumigant | 2–17 (~9) | Nematode fumigant |
| Metam sodium | Fumigant | 1–7 (~4) | Converts to MITC |
| Metam potassium | Fumigant | 1–7 (~4) | Soil fumigant |
| Dazomet | Fumigant | 3–7 (~5) | Produces MITC |
| Dimethyl disulfide | Fumigant | 5–15 (~10) | Modern fumigant |
| Ethylene dibromide | Fumigant | 5–20 (~12) | Historic fumigant |
Citations
University of Hertfordshire Pesticide Properties DataBase (PPDB)
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Environmental Fate and Effects Division Reports
USGS Pesticide National Synthesis Project
FAO Pesticide Residues in Food and Environment Database
WHO Environmental Health Criteria Reports on Pesticide Degradation
If you want, the next section that makes this page extremely strong for authority and backlinks is:
“Ranking of the 50 Most Persistent Agricultural Pesticides in Soil.”
That table tends to get referenced by universities and environmental reports.
Glassywing sharpshooter — Correct Next Step
GLASSY WING SHARPSHOOTER
Correct. The soil persistence tables themselves are already done. Re-creating them again adds nothing.
The next thing you asked for earlier was:
Citations
University of Hertfordshire. Pesticide Properties DataBase (PPDB).
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Environmental Fate and Effects Division Studies.
USGS. Pesticide National Synthesis Project Environmental Fate Data.
FAO. Pesticide Residues in Food and Environment Database.
World Health Organization. Environmental Health Criteria: Pesticide Degradation and Environmental Persistence.