How do trichlorophenols enter the environment?
Trichlorophenols can enter the environment when they are being made, when they are used as pesticides or disinfectants, and when they are produced from the breakdown of other chemicals. Most trichlorophenols released to the environment go into water and soil. 2,4,5- trichlorophenol can be released into the environment from the chlorination of phenol-containing wastewater or drinking water and from the bleaching process in pulp and paper mills. Trichlorophenols stick to soil and sediments at the bottom of lakes, streams, and rivers. Microorganisms break down and remove low levels of trichlorophenols from water, soil, or sediment in a few days to weeks. Fish and shellfish from areas near sewage releases or industries that use trichlorophenols can accumulate trichlorophenols in their tissues.
