Spatial and temporal distribution of pesticides and PCBs in the atmosphere using XAD-resin based passive samplers: A case study in the Quequén Grande River watershed, Argentina

Abstract

XAD-resin based passive air samplers were deployed at 10 sites in the Quequén Grande River watershed in Argentina during three periods to evaluate the spatial and temporal variations of pesticides and PCBs in the atmosphere. Endosulfan and chlorpyrifos were the most prevalent pesticide because of their continued usage in Argentina, while DDTs, HCHs, chlordanes, dieldrin and heptachlors registered lower levels, reflecting their use in the past. Atmospheric endosulfan levels were 1–2 orders of magnitude higher during the application period (application: 800–12,000 pg/m3, pre- and post-application: <2–350 pg/m3), suggesting that its use in the area continued even after a ban came into effect. The remaining organochlorine pesticides also reached higher concentrations during this period, which is more likely attributable to temperature controlled air-surface exchange than current applications. The highest concentrations of chlorpyrifos were recorded during the application period, in particular at agricultural sites, where its use is wide-spread on soybean fields. The fungicide chlorothalonil was found predominantly at urban sites and in proximity to Quequén harbor, suggesting that its use might be domestic and as a biocide in antifouling paints. A different temporal pattern was observed for the herbicide trifluralin, suggesting its use in the early stages of the wheat-growing season during winter. Limited spatial variations in PCBs levels indicate a diffuse contamination source in the study area, while their relatively high correlation with temperature suggests re-volatilization from local sources. Relative enrichment of lighter PCBs congeners could be attributed to re-evaporation from secondary sources as well as atmospheric transport from urban sites.