Once in soil, pesticides undergo degradation processes that give rise to a
complex pattern of metabolites. Those presenting a significant percentage o
f formation, genotoxic and leaching properties may pose a threat to human h
ealth associated with the consumption of drinking water. The aim of this st
udy is to assess the hazard potential of some metabolites that may occur in
ground water. 2,6-diethylaniline, 2-chloro-2',6'-diethylacetanilide, 2-hyd
roxy-2',6'-diethylacetanilide, metabolites of alachlor and 2-ethyl-6-methyl
aniline, metabolite of metolachlor, were chosen for their genotoxic propert
ies. Under laboratory conditions, these metabolites showed DT50 = 1-5 days
and K-oc = 45-357. Their leaching potential, calculated according to Gustaf
son, is very low and, therefore, they should not be regarded as contaminant
s of ground waters. Aged residue leaching studies as well as preliminary st
udies on well waters seem to confirm these findings. (C) 2000 Elsevier Scie
nce Ltd. All rights reserved.