Abstract
The present study was designed to analyze organochlorine pesticide residues in the blood samples of the residents of Karachi. Biochemical and hematological parameters were tested thoroughly for changes as a result of organochlorine residues. In the blood samples which were drawn from both genders, organochlorine compounds like α-endosulfan (1.565 mg/kg) and β-endosulfan (1.233 mg/kg) were found in higher quantities and were the most frequently detected compounds. Average concentrations of the detected compounds (mg/kg) were: HCH (0.819); Cyclodienes (2.839); Diphenylaliphatics (0.240). An evident finding was the alteration in enzyme activity in higher residue samples. Levels of GPT, GOT, ALP, Choline-esterase and γ-GT were tested in all samples and observed major shifts in the upper and lower limits in high residue samples as compared with the normal values. Analysis of the blood parameters were carried out thoroughly and checked the levels of TLC, RBC, Hb, Hct, MCV, MCH, MCHC, Platelets and differential leucocytes (Neutrophils, Lymphocytes, Eosinophils and Monocytes) but found no distinct changes and hence no convincing relation was observed. Results of the present investigation of OCs in different blood sera indicated that bioconcentration and biomagnification of these chemicals were common phenomena in the population of Karachi city and this may be accountable for a variety of diseases and health hazards.
Highlights
The economy of Pakistan largely depends on agriculture
According to the Technical Bulletin [1], the use of pesticides in Pakistan has increased by 11.69% in last 20 years and the number of sprays per crop has reached more than 10%, which is an alarming situation as far as human health is concerned
The mean values 0.003 mg/kg and 0.005 mg/kg were calculated for Endosulfan sulfate and Dieldrin
Summary
The economy of Pakistan largely depends on agriculture. It plays a vital role in the income of rural areas which consists of 70% of the total population. Its contribution is around 25% to the national economy which is a source of employment for over 44% of the labour force. The economy depends upon production, processing and major products distribution like cotton, wheat, edible oil, sugar, meat and milk. This sector grows at an average rate of 4.5% and has shown changes due to climatic conditions. According to the Technical Bulletin [1], the use of pesticides in Pakistan has increased by 11.69% in last 20 years and the number of sprays per crop has reached more than 10%, which is an alarming situation as far as human health is concerned
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