Abstract
The present study reports the concentration levels and distribution patterns of the organochlorine pesticide residues in the surface sediments of river Yamuna in the Indian capital state, Delhi. Analytical measurements were carried out for twenty organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) in the Pre-monsoon, Monsoon and Post-monsoon seasons, at six different sampling locations along the 22 km stretch of the river Yamuna in Delhi. The results revealed contamination of the surface sediments with several persistent organochlorine pesticides. Endrin aldehyde, Endosulfan sulfate and DDT showed the highest percentage composition of OCP at all the sampling sites in all the three seasons. The total organochlorine pesticides level ranged from 157.71 - 307.66 ng/g in Pre-monsoon to 195.86 - 577.74 ng/g in Monsoon and 306.9 - 844.45 ng/g in the Post-monsoon season. This not only demonstrates the pollution of the river with pesticide residues, but also the necessity of a continuous long-term monitoring of the affected environment.
Highlights
Introduction and MethodsPersistent organic pollutants (POPs) are a major group of hazardous chemicals having anthropogenic origin and three main characteristics: persistence, bioaccumulation and long range transport [1]
The present study reports the concentration levels and distribution patterns of the organochlorine pesticide residues in the surface sediments of river Yamuna in the Indian capital state, Delhi
The results revealed contamination of the surface sediments with several persistent organochlorine pesticides
Summary
Introduction and MethodsPersistent organic pollutants (POPs) are a major group of hazardous chemicals having anthropogenic origin and three main characteristics: persistence, bioaccumulation and long range transport [1]. The Stockholm Convention on POPs (2001) is an outcome of this growing concern about the persistent organic pollutants. As per the Stockholm Convention, POPs include nine organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) and three industrial chemicals or by-products. The nine pesticides targeted by the Stockholm Convention were produced internationally and used on agricultural crops or for public health vector control. By 1970s, these pesticides were either banned or restricted in many countries Though banned, these chemicals are still being used in some of the developing countries owing to their low cost and versatility in industry, agriculture and public health [3]. In the Indian context, there are currently 179 pesticides registered for use in India; 30 others have been banned, while seven are restricted, including DDT. Chlordane and heptachlor were banned in September, 1996; while DDT is in restricted use since July, 1989. Use of endosulfan and methoxychlor has been permitted while HCB was never registered as a pesticide [4]
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