Toxaphene released in water will not appreciably hydrolyze, photolyze, or significantly biodegrade. It will strongly sorb to sediments and bioconcentrate in aquatic organisms. Field studies have shown it to be detoxified rapidly in shallow and very slowly in deep bodies of water. Toxaphene may undergo very slow direct photolysis in the atmosphere. Monitoring data demonstrates that toxaphene is a contaminant in some air, water, sediment, soil, fish and other aquatic organisms, foods and birds.
Human exposure appears to come mostly from food or occupational exposure.
Biodegradation may be enhanced somewhat in flooded soils or under anaerobic conditions. Its low water solubility and strong adsorption to soil makes leaching into groundwater unlikely. It will be subject to loss by evaporation but will not hydrolyze or be removed significantly by runoff unless carried off adsorbed to clay particles. Toxaphene has some water solubility. Toxaphene released to water systems will not be likely to significantly hydrolyze, photolyze or significantly biodegrade.