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degradation product DBP. Rapid degradation of dicofol is observed at room 
temperature, with a half-life of 15 hours. DBP is formed at the same rate and is 
evidently more stable in the water phase. 
Figure 51: Degradation of dicofol in sea water at room temperature 
Therefore, DCB was analysed in selected water samples from the river Elbe and the 
German Bight and was in fact detected at concentrations of <0.2 to 3.8 ng/L; maximum 
concentrations were found in the river Elbe, at Stade. 
6.4.6.2 Toxicity screening of dicofol and dichlorobenzophenone 
Dicofol and dichlorobenzophenone were tested for teratogenic effects in a fish egg test 
(DIN 3815-6T6) (expanded to include teratogenic effects)) in order to estimate their 
toxicity for marine organisms. The tests were performed at Bundesforschungsanstalt fur 
Fischerei, Hamburg, by U. Kammann (2004). 
In the tests, the influence of the substances on the embryonic development of zebra 
danio (Danio rerio) was determined (Vobach, 2002). No effects on fish egg 
development were observed with the metabolite 4,4’-dichlorbenzophenone at