Chlordecone, a persistent pollutant: analytical challenges and sustainable remediation solutions

Chlordecone, a persistent organochlorine insecticide, was extensively applied in the French West Indies between 1972 and 1993. Decades after its ban, it continues to contaminate soils and waters, cycling through food webs and resulting in chronic exposure of both ecosystems and human populations. Its environmental persistence, strong affinity for organic matter, and adverse effects on human health have made it a pressing public health concern. The region now exhibits the highest incidence of prostate cancer globally, reflecting complex interactions between environmental exposure and genetic susceptibility. Here, we review current knowledge on chlordecone, covering analytical strategies for its detection and quantification, challenges posed by its chemical and environmental behavior, and its persistence in volcanic soils and aquatic systems. We critically assess remediation strategies, including soil amendments and biochar-based sequestration, and highlight persistent gaps in understanding the long-term impacts of its transformation products. Addressing these challenges requires integrated approaches that unite environmental chemistry, toxicology, and sustainable agricultural practices to mitigate ongoing contamination and protect vulnerable populations.