Occurrence, seasonal variations, and spatial distributions of current-use organoamine pesticides in the atmosphere of Shanghai, China

Abstract

An increasing trend in pesticide usage requires a better understanding of the occurrence, fate, and exposure risk of current-use organoamine pesticides (CUOAPs) in the atmosphere as the population grows and climate changes. 33 target CUOAPs were measured in 89 atmospheric samples collected in different seasons from Shanghai, including gaseous and particulate phases. The total concentrations of gaseous phase CUOAPs ranged from 407 to 2980 pg/m3, with an average value of 887 ± 426 pg/m3. Conversely, the total concentrations of particulate CUOAPs were found to be one to two orders of magnitude lower than those in the gas phase, with low detection frequencies. Diphenylamine and Molinate were ubiquitous and predominant in the gaseous CUOAPs. The average total concentrations of gaseous CUOAPs were significantly higher in spring than those in winter and autumn seasons. Gaseous CUOAPs concentrations increased from rural to downtown areas during spring, showing different spatial distribution from winter and autumn. A significant correlation was observed between temperature and the presence of Dicloran, Pirimicarb, Diphenylamine, and Acetochlor. Agricultural activities and city pest control may be the main sources of CUOAPs, while meteorological factors including temperature and wind speed also impact the dispersal of these chemicals in the atmosphere. The increased risk of exposure was observed to be higher during the spring season compared to the autumn and winter seasons, aligning with the pattern of heightened utilization of CUOAPs during the planting and growing phases. The daily inhalation exposure of CUOAPs did not exceed the current oral reference dose.