Distribution, Associated Risks and Sources of Organochlorine Pesticides in Farmland Soils from Ethiope West Area of Delta State, Nigeria

Abstract

rganochlorine pesticides (OCPs) usage provides many advantages for agriculture; however, there are also significant concerns to the environment and public health. Since there is little information available on OCPs' distribution, associated risks and sources in Nigerian farmland soils, this study was carried out. Soil samples were collected from farmlands in ten communities. Samples were extracted with hexane/dichloromethane and cleaned up in a column of silica gel and florisil. The OCPs were measured using a gas chromatograph-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The ∑20 OCPs levels in the soils varied between 47.5 and 109 ng/g. The OCPs homologues distribution in the soils was in the order of ∑DDTs > ∑Drins > ∑Chlordane > ∑BHCs > ∑Endosulfan. The risks assessment result indicated that there was adverse ecological effect on organisms residing in the soils and there is the likelihood that this effect will be frequently observed. Moreover, there was potential non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic risks for persons exposed to OCPs in these farmland soils. The result of the source identification indicated that historical usage was the main source of OCPs in these farmland soils. Keywords: Soil, Farmland, OCPs, Non-carcinogenic, Carcinogenic, Ethiope West