Concentrations Of Organochlorine Pesticides Research Articles

Ecological risk assessment of organochlorine pesticide residues in sediment samples from Lake Tana and Hayqe in Northwest Ethiopia

In most developing countries, including Ethiopia, the excessive use of toxic and persistent pesticides for agricultural and malaria control purposes poses a significant challenge. This study focuses on evaluating the concentration and ecological risks associated with organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) in the sediments of Lake Tana and Hayqe. Employing a laboratory-based cross-sectional approach, the residues of OCPs in sediment samples were extracted using the Quick, Easy, Cheap, Effective, Rugged, and Safe (QuEChERS) method, followed by dispersive solid phase extraction cleanup (d-SPE) techniques and analyzed for 18 OCPs by gas chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The risk Quotient (RQ) method was adopted for ecological risk assessments by using fish, daphnia, and algae as indicators. The concentration of OCPs ranged from 10.11 to 125.65 μg/kg and 10.96–45.17 μg/kg in Lake Tana and Hayqe, respectively. There was a statistically significant difference in the mean concentration of OCPs across the sampling sites in Lake Tana. Deltamethrin and lindane exhibit comparatively lower concentrations among the OCPs, whereas endrin, DDT, and their metabolites were the predominant pesticides in the study area, exceeding WHO and USEPA residue limits, except for endosulfan. Risk Quotient values ranged from 0.006 to 865.4 in Lake Tana and 0.005 to 729.9 in Lake Hayqe, indicating potential low to high ecological risks for aquatic organisms. High ecological risks are particularly evident in fish, daphnia, and algae species exposed to α and β-Endosulfan, DDT, and their metabolites, while specifically in daphnia, endrin poses high ecological risks. The ANOVA test revealed there were statistically significant differences (p-value <0.05) among sampling sites in Lake Tana and the mean values between Lake Tana and Lake Hayqe, underscoring the importance of addressing pesticide-related ecological concerns in the region.

Organochlorine pesticide contamination of soils and dust from an urban environment in the Niger Delta of Nigeria

The concentrations, sources, and risk of twenty organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) in soils and dusts from a typical urban setting in the Niger Delta of Nigeria were examined. The Σ20 OCP concentrations (ng g−1) varied from 4.49 to 150 with an average value of 32.6 for soil, 4.67 to 21.5 with an average of 11.7 for indoor dust, and 1.6 to 96.7 with an average value of 23.5 for outdoor dust. The Σ20 OCP concentrations in these media were in the order: soil > outdoor dust > indoor dust, which was in contrast with the order of the detection frequency, i.e., indoor dust (95 to 100 %) > soil (60 to 90 %) > outdoor dust (30 to 80 %). The concentrations of the different OCP classes in these media followed the order: aldrin + dieldrin + endrin and its isomers (Drins) > chlordanes > dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDTs) > hexachlorocyclohexane (HCHs) > endosulfans for outdoor dust and soil, while that of the indoor dust followed the order: Drins > chlordanes > endosulfans > DDTs > HCHs. The cancer risk values for human exposure to OCPs in these sites exceeded 10−6 which indicates possible carcinogenic risks. The sources of OCPs in these media reflected both past use and recent inputs.

Seasonal Dynamics and Ecological Risks of Organochlorine Pesticides in Kafrelsheikh-Egypt: Implications for Aquatic Ecosystems and Public Health

Kafrelsheikh, situated in the middle of the Nile Delta, significantly contributes to Egypt's aquaculture and agriculture sectors. However, the local use of organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) in agriculture is often a source of OCP residues in associated drainage waters, which may threaten aquatic ecosystems. These pesticides persist in local water bodies, jeopardizing aquatic ecosystems and potentially impacting human health. This comprehensive study assessed the seasonal variations of 17 OCPs in both water sources and Nile tilapia across eight fish farming locations in Kafrelsheikh. Using gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (GC-MS), we detected OCP concentrations in water that varied seasonally: winter recorded the highest levels at 22.5 ng/mL. In comparison, summer showed the lowest levels at 6.2 ng/mL. Despite water samples occasionally showing risk quotients (RQs) greater than 1, indicating a potential threat to aquatic life, the OCP levels in Nile tilapia were sufficiently low, with target hazard quotients (THQ) below 1, suggesting no significant risk to human consumers. The research highlights a pressing need for regular environmental monitoring and stricter regulatory control over pesticide use to protect aquatic life and ensure the safety of aquaculture products. These findings provide a critical basis for policy-making, aimed at balancing agricultural productivity with environmental sustainability in regions heavily dependent on both.

Changes in Adipose Tissue and Circulating Concentrations of Persistent Organic Pollutants in Midlife Women.

Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) are persistent organic pollutants (POPs) that bioaccumulate in adipose tissue. We investigated the relationship between change in central adiposity and changes in circulating concentrations of POPs over a 12-year period during the midlife. Serum concentrations of 34 PCBs and 19 OCPs were measured at four time points (1999/2000, 2002/03, 2005/06, 2009/11) in a cohort of midlife women, the Study of Women's Health Across the Nation. Linear mixed models were used to test the association between a change in waist circumference and a change in serum POP concentrations. Sixty-five women contributed 181 PCB observations. Fifty-nine women contributed 151 OCP observations. After adjustment for covariates (study site, race and ethnicity, age at baseline, parity), a one-inch (2.54 cm) increase in the change in waist circumference between visits was associated with a 4.9% decrease in the change in serum concentration of PCB 194 (95% CI: -8.0%, -1.6%). No associations were observed for other PCB congeners or the presence of OCPs. An increase in the difference in waist circumference over time was not associated with a change in the difference in serum concentrations of PCBs and OCPs except for PCB 194, possibly due to the high lipophilicity.

Safety evaluation of organochlorine pesticides and polybrominated diphenyl ethers in imported canned fish in Nigeria

Organochlorine pesticide (OCP) and polybrominated diphenyl ether (PBDE) concentrations were measured in thirty popular brands of imported canned fish (mackerel, sardines, and tuna) in Nigeria to ascertain potential threats to humans arising from their consumption. The Σ20 OCP concentrations in mackerel ranged from 0.47 to 7.36 ng g-1, while those of tuna and sardines varied from 1.06 to 2.19 and 0.11 to 12.7 ng g-1, respectively. The Σ39 PBDE concentrations in mackerel varied from 0.06 to 4.21 ng g-1, while those of tuna and sardines ranged from 0.19 to 3.18 and 0.04 to 8.26 ng g-1, respectively. The estimated daily intake (EDI) of OCPs and PBDEs from ingestion of the canned fish by adults and children were in the magnitude of 0.03 to 17.6 ng kg-1 bw day-1 and 9.9 × 10-3 to 11.5 ng kg-1 bw day-1 respectively. The hazard index (HI) and total cancer risk (TCR) values for OCPs and PBDEs from ingestion of the canned fish were less than 1 and 10-6, respectively. The dietary intakes of OCPs and PBDEs from these brands of canned fish by adults and children result in no adverse non-cancer and cancer risks.

ACCUMULATION OF ORGANOCHLORINE PESTICIDES IN MEDICINAL PLANT RAW MATERIALS OF THE VORONEZH REGION

The purpose of the study is to examine the peculiarities of accumulation of the most dangerous organochlorine pesticides in medicinal plant materials of Voronezh region agrocenoses.&#x0D; Materials and Methods. The author analyzed pharmacopoeial species of medicinal plant raw materials, widespread in central Russia. The plants belong to both natural plant communities and synanthropic vegetation: common nettle leaves, common plantain leaves, ginger plant flowers, small-leaved lime flowers, quinquelobate motherwort herb, absinthium herb, common yarrow herb, knotgrass herb, common burdock roots, and common dandelion roots. Samples of the surface soil were also taken. The author determined dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane, hexachlorocyclohexane, hexachlorane, and aldrin content in medicinal plant raw materials and surface soil. The studies were carried out on a Tsvet 500M gas chromatograph with a microsyringe dispenser, glass capillary separation columns and flame ionization detection.&#x0D; Results. Studies of surface soil samples and medicinal plant raw materials showed the virtual absence of organochlorine pesticides in the analyzed materials: the content of hexachlorocyclohexane and its isomers (total) was less than 0.001 mg/kg, the content of dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane and its metabolites (total) was less than 0.007 mg/kg. Aldrin and hexachlorane were not detected. The results obtained favorably distinguish the Voronezh region from other constituent entities of the Russian Federation, where high concentrations of organochlorine pesticides are periodically detected both in soil and in plants. This fact opens prospects for the cultivation and procurement of wild plants in the Voronezh region.

Centurial deposition records of polychlorinated biphenyls and organochlorine pesticides in sediment cores from a plateau deep-water lake of China: Significance of anthropogenic impacts, transformation signals and ecological risks revealed by full congener analysis

Lake Fuxian, the largest deep freshwater lake in China, has been suffering from increasing ecological and environmental issues along with the rapid urbanization and industrialization in the past 40 years. To better understand the historical pollution of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) in Lake Fuxian, comprehensive analyses of 209 polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) congeners and 20 organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) were conducted in two intact sediment cores (Core V1 and Core V2). The total mass concentrations of PCBs ranged from 7.60 to 31.47 ng/g (dry weight basis) and 5.55 to 28.90 ng/g during the period of 1908–2019 in Core V1 and 1924–2019 in Core V2, respectively. PCBs exhibited a consecutive increasing trend from 1940s to 2019 in Core V1. The temporal trend of PCBs in Core V2 basically matched to the history of PCB usage and prohibition in China (increasing from 1940s to mid-1960s, a remarkable drop in mid-1970s, and then increasing until 2019). Moreover, low-chlorinated PCBs were dominant among PCB homologues. Mono-CBs, di-CBs, tri-CBs and tetra-CBs accounted for 86.71 %–98.57 % in sediment segments. The PCB sources included unintentional emission and atmospheric deposition, as well as biological transformation. The total mass concentrations of OCPs ranged from 0.74 to 3.82 ng/g in Core V1 and 0.35 to 2.23 ng/g in Core V2, respectively. Similar trend was observed in the two sediment cores with peaks in the early 1990s. The predominant OCPs were γ-hexachlorohexane (γ-HCHs), dieldrin and p,p′-DDD. The ecological risks posed by PCBs and p-p′-DDD in Lake Fuxian were relatively low. In contrast, dieldrin might pose a potential threat to exposed organisms and apparently adverse ecological effects were caused by γ-HCH. This study will provide important baseline information on historical POPs contamination of Lake Fuxian.

Ecological risk of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) in the sediment of a protected karst plateau lake (Caohai) wetland in China

Understanding PAH and OCP distributions and sources in lakes is necessary for developing pollutant control policies. Here, we assessed the occurrence, risk, and sources of PAHs and OCPs in the sediment of Caohai Lake. The PAHs were predominantly high-molecular-weight compounds (mean 57.5 %), and the diagnostic ratios revealed that coal, biomass burning, and traffic were the sources of PAHs. HCHs (6.53 ± 7.22 ng g−1) and DDTs (10.86 ± 12.16 ng g−1) were the dominant OCPs and were primarily sourced from fresh exogenous inputs. RDA showed that sediment properties explained 74.12 % and 65.44 % of the variation in PAH and OCP concentrations, respectively. Incremental lifetime cancer risk (ILCR) assessment indicated that hazardous PAHs in Caohai Lake sediment posed moderate risks to children and adults (ILCR>1.0 × 10−4), while the risk from OCPs was low; however, the recent influx of HCHs and DDTs requires additional attention.

Distribution of Pesticides and Polychlorinated Biphenyls in Food of Animal Origin in Croatia.

Pesticides and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are persistent environmental pollutants. When entering the food chain, they can represent a public health problem due to their negative effects on health. In this study, concentrations of organochlorine pesticides (OCPs), organophosphate pesticides (OPPs), pyrethroids, carbamates, and PCBs-a total 73 compounds-were determined in a total of 2268 samples of fat tissues (beef, pork, sheep, goat, poultry, game, horse, rabbit) and processed fat, meat, and processed meat products collected in Croatia during an 8-year period. In fatty tissues, 787 results exceeded the limits of quantification (LOQ): 16 OCPs, eight OPPs, six pyrethroids, one carbamate, and seven PCBs. The most positive results in fat samples were found for OCPs, with a frequency of quantification in the range of 57.5-87.5%. Hexachlorobenzene (HCB) and dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene (DDE) were quantified in the highest percentages, in the ranges of 5.5-66.7% and 5.4-55.8%. Concentrations above the MRL values were determined for chlorpyrifos in pork fat and for resmethrin in six fat samples and one pâté. In 984 samples of meat and meat products, only 62 results exceeded the LOQ values. The highest frequency of quantification was determined for OCPs (25 samples), of which 40% were DDT isomers (60% DDE). Frequency quantifications of PCBs in fat samples were between 7.23 and 36.7%. An evaluation of the health risk assessment showed that the consumption of fat, meat, and meat products does not pose a threat to consumer health, since all EDI values were well below the respective toxicological reference values.

Fluorescence enhancing and quenching signal based on new approach for selective detection of multiple organochlorine pesticides using blue emissive-carbon dot

Measuring the concentration of organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) in agriculture has engaged significant awareness for healthcare investigation since OCPs are harmful to many physiological processes. Excessive usage of these compounds can result in major contamination of the environment and food supply chains. As a result, more accurate and rapid ways to detect pesticide residues in food are required. In this work, we have portrayed the surface-engineered fluorescent blue emissive-carbon dot (B-CD) with a high quantum yield (49.3 %) via the hydrothermal method for fluorescent sensing of OCPs on real samples. The amine group functionalities of carbon dots have supported the direct coordination with –Cl and –OH groups of HEP, ENS, CDF and 2,4-DPAC for the sensitive detection of OCPs, by switching in the fluorescent intensity of B-CD. The functional group of OCPs exhibits a variety of binding interactions with B-CD to contribute a complex formation, which leads to static quenching via an insubstantial restricted electron transfer process. The synthesized carbon dots exhibit individuality in binding nature towards different OCPs. Fluorescence studies help to distinguish the target OCPs and their low detection limits (LODs) were 0.002, 0.099, 0.16 and 0.082 μM for Heptachlor (HEP - turn “on”), Endosulfan (ENS), Chlordimeform (CDF) and 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-DPAC - turn “off”) OCPs respectively. The real water samples and agriculture food samples were effectively investigated and the OCP toxicity was noted. Thus, the design of the fluorescence sensor is established as an easy and proficient sensing method for detecting OCPs.

Organochlorine pesticide residues in water and sediments in river Kibos-Nyamasaria in Kisumu County: An inlet river of Lake Victoria, Kenya

The misuse of organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) and the lack of adequate regulations have led to contamination of rivers and lakes. In this study, we determined the concentrations of OCPs that have either been banned or restricted for use in the Kibos-Nyamasaria River during two seasons: wet (April-May) and dry (February-March). OCPs were analyzed using GC–MS. Nineteen pesticide residues were detected in the river (water) and sediments. In water, aldrin had the highest concentration of 8.33 ± 0.58 μg/L, dieldrin (8.67 ± 0.5 μg/L), endosulfan sulphate (0.23 ± 0.00 μg/L), α-endosulfan (0.19 ± 0.00 μg/L), methoxychlor (4.57 ± 0.03 μg/L) and α-HCH (3.47 ± 0.00 μg/L) during the wet season, while dieldrin (6.03 ± 5.1 μg/L), methoxychlor (3.43 ± 0.06 μg/L), and α-HCH (8.27 ± 0.06 μg/L) were above 0.1 μg/L detection limit during the dry season. In sediments, aldrin, methoxychlor, and δ-HCH were not detected in either season; however, dieldrin and β-endosulfan were detected only during the dry season. Additionally, OCPs were above 0.2 μg/kg (maximum residue level (MRLs). The concentration of OCPs increased downstream as the river approached Lake Victoria. Because some pesticides were present at levels beyond the recommended limits, strategies must be developed to reduce them and identify potential sources of banned pesticides.

Gas Chromatographic Determination of Residual Concentrations of a Mixture of Organochlorine Pesticides in Food Products

Purpose of research. The aim of the work is to optimize the conditions for gas chromatographic determination of a mixture of eight organochlorine pesticides: aldrin, hexachlorobenzene, heptachlor, α-hexachlorocyclohexane, γ-hexachlorocyclohexane, dichlorodiphenyltrichloromethylmethane, dichlorodiphenyldichloroethane and dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene.Methods. For chromatographic studies of organochlorine pesticides we used a Shimadzu GC-2010Plus gas chromatograph (Shimadzu, Japan) equipped with an automatic equilibrium vapor sample dispenser NT200N, electron-capture detector based on 63Ni and quartz capillary nonpolar column "Chromatek" SPB-5 (30 m, 0.32 mm, film thickness on the basis of phenyl(5%) and dimethyl(95%) polysiloxanes 0.5 μm) with an operating temperature range of 60°C 320/340°C. The chromatograms were processed in the application LabSolutions GPC.Results. On the basis of experimentally obtained data the optimal conditions for gas chromatographic determination and separation of eight-component mixture of organochlorine pesticides were selected, namely: the value of mobile phase flow division 1:10, carrier gas flow rate – 1.0 ml/min, two-stage temperature programmable column mode from 160 to 240°C with the rate of increase of 5°C/min. The metrological characteristics of the analysis and validation of the results of the proposed technique with the method of high-performance liquid chromatography were evaluated. Good reproducibility of chromatography results with the possibility of detection of organochlorine pesticides at the level of 10-6 – 10-5 μg/cm3 was proved. Application of Fisher's test has shown absence of significant differences in reproducibility of sampled populations the investigated methods of chromatographic analysis of COPCs are equally accurate. Extraction sample preparation of samples of real objects was proposed, the calculated extraction degrees &gt;84% allow to recommend the technique for quantitative determination of analytes.Conclusion. The method of gas chromatographic analysis was tested for determination of organochlorine pesticides in samples of drinking water and baby puree (Russia) by additive method. Exceeding the norms of residual contents of organochlorine pesticides in the samples of the food products under study was not detected.

Organochlorine Pesticides in Dairy Cows’ Diet and the Carryover into Milk in NW Romania

Since modern agriculture relies on high volumes of chemical pesticides, monitoring the exposure to these dangerous substances in feed and the food chain is crucial. This study investigates the transfer of organochlorine pesticide (OCP) from water, soil, and feed to milk in free-range dairy cows using the carryover rates (CORs) and biotransfer factors (BTFs) from feed to milk as tools that can be used for human and animal risk assessments. BTFs can predict the transfer of OCPs into milk due to cows’ ingestion of contaminated feed. Samples were collected from ten small-scale dairy cow farms located near Baia Mare city, NW Romania, identified for distributing fresh milk in the local market. After the appropriate extraction was performed, the OCP concentrations were measured by gas chromatography equipped with an electron capture detector and randomly confirmed using mass spectrometry. The most prominent compounds in the soil, feed, and milk samples were hexachlorocyclohexane (HCH) isomers and dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) and its metabolites. The concentrations of OCPs were lower than the maximum admissible values in feed, water, soil, and milk. The CORs of OCPs varied over four orders of magnitudes, from 0.10% (2,4′–dichlorodiphenylchloroethylene, 2,4′–DDE) to 250% (4,4′–dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane, 4,4′–DDT). Similar to CORs, the values of BTFs varied largely, from 0.0001 to 1.408. Additionally, the values higher than the unit for some BTFs could be due to the accumulation and biomagnification of these organochlorine compounds in the animal body. The cows’ dietary exposure was evaluated by the estimated daily intake (EDI), considering the three components of ingestion (feed, water, and soil), and varied in the range of 0.0008–0.3509 µg/day/body weight (bw).

Characterization of organochlorine pesticides in the surface waters of Marchica Lagoon, Morocco

The main objective of this initial study is to assess the extent of surface water contamination in Marchica Lagoon caused by organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) historically used in agriculture through a sampling network consisting of eight stations covering all areas of the lagoon during the 2022 summer season. Located on Morocco’s Mediterranean coast, the lagoon has undergone several restoration actions since 2010 to improve its environmental state. However, this ecosystem is under constant pressure from its watershed, which can convey water pollution from agricultural, industrial, mining, and domestic sources, making continuous monitoring essential. Eight organochlorine pesticides (Alpha HCH, Beta HCH, Gamma HCH, Aldrin, Dieldrin, DDD, DDE, and DDT) were detected by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) using the SIM (Selected Ion Monitoring) method. The results revealed OCPs contamination of the lagoon’s surface waters; the spatial variation of total OCPs concentrations (Σ8OCPs) ranged from 7.58 to 18.79 ng/l. The predominant element detected was β-HCH (lindane), recorded between the Bouarg channel and Selouane wadi, an area characterized by intensive agriculture.

Persistent Organic Pollutants in Whale Shark (Rhincodon typus) Skin Biopsies from Bahía de Los Ángeles, Mexico

The whale shark (Rhincodon typus) is a filter-feeding organism that can be considered a sentinel species, and Bahía de los Ángeles (BLA) in the Gulf of California is an important sighting site for these elasmobranchs. This filter-feeding organism can be considered a pollutant sampler from the marine environment. Persistent organic pollutants are toxic compounds with high mobility and environmental persistence, bioaccumulation and trophic transfer. Among these are polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and organochlorine pesticides (OCPs). The present work aimed to determine concentrations of PAHs and OCPs in whale shark skin biopsies, collected in 2021 at BLA. Mean detected levels of PAHs and OCPs were 279.4 ng/g dw (dry weight) and 1478.1 ng/g dw, respectively. Analysis of similarities between the ordered sizes (4.2–7.6 m) and the concentrations of PAHs and OCPs indicated no significant differences. Individual PAHs detected indicate pyrogenic and petrogenic sources; the presence of pesticides at levels higher than those of hydrocarbons may be related to agricultural activity in the areas surrounding the Baja California peninsula. This study is the first report of PAH levels in R. typus for the Gulf of California and Mexico.

Air monitoring of organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) in Bursa Türkiye: Levels, temporal trends and risk assessment

Monitoring concentration levels of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) is required to evaluate the effectiveness of international regulations to minimize the emissions of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) into the environment. In this manner, we evaluated the spatial and temporal variations of 22 organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) using polyurethane foam passive air samplers at ten stations in Bursa in 2017 and 2018. The highest concentration value for Σ22OCPs was detected in Ağaköy (775 pg/m3) and Demirtaş (678 pg/m3) sampling sites, while the lowest value was observed in Uludağ University Campus (UUC, 284 pg/m3) site. HCB, γ-HCH, Endo I, and Mirex were the most frequently detected OCPs, which shows their persistence. Diagnostic ratios of β−/(α + γ)-HCH have pointed to historical and possible illegal OCP usage in the study area. The seasonality of air concentrations (with spring and summer concentrations higher than winter and autumn concentrations) was well exhibited by α-HCH, β-HCH, ɣ-HCH, HCB, Endo I, and Mirex but not aldrin, dieldrin, and α-chlordane (CC). Levels of OCPs detected in ambient air in the current study were relatively similar to or lower than those reported in previous studies conducted in Türkiye. Back trajectory analysis was applied to identify the possible sources of OCPs detected in the sampling regions. The Clausius-Clapeyron approach was used to investigate the temperature dependence of OCP gas-phase atmospheric concentrations. The data showed that long-range atmospheric transport affects ambient air OCP concentrations in the study area.

Risk surveillance with spatial distribution of Organochlorine Pesticides (OCPs) from sedimentary samples of Chenab River

A pioneering study employed a holistic geostatistical approach to predict the spatial variability of a non sampled area in the Chenab River, Pakistan, using kriging interpolation for organochlorine pesticide (OCP)-polluted risk zones. The Present research intended to investigate the carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic human health risks, contamination levels, and spatial variation of OCPs in the Chenab River, Pakistan. The residual OCP content in sediment samples (n = 120) ranged from 0.056 to 32.14 ng/g. DDE and α-HCH were prevalent among all the samples analyzed, with mean concentrations of 15.84 ± 8.02 and 12.45 ± 6.72 ng/g, respectively. The order of magnitude of OCPs in sediment samples was DDTs > α-HCH > chlorothalonil > heptachlor > endosulfan > aldrin > dieldrin. The findings of the single (SPI) and Nemerow (Nel) pollution index of α-HCH, heptachlor, and aldrin depicted the Chenab River as a serious pollution risk zone. The outcomes of the Pearson correlation coefficient analysis represent the positive correlation among all OCPs, revealing the common origin. Distribution trends showed substantially higher (p < 0.05) contents of analyzed OCPs along the downstream zone. With regards to USEPA human health hazard assessment model, the estimated non-carcinogenic (ΣHI) and non-carcinogenic (ΣTCR) risk ranged from 1.1 × 10−5 to 1.0 × 10−1, 4.0 × 10−8 to 3.2 × 10−4 respectively. TCR >10−4 illustrated a substantial cancer health risk posed by α-HCH, heptachlor, aldrin, and dieldrin in the downstream zone. We recommend the urgent cessation of the ongoing discharge of OCPs into the Chenab River, which needs to be highlighted owing to the significant cancer risk to public health to ensure the good health and wellbeings.

Occurrences, Possible Sources, and Risk Impacts of Organochlorine Pesticides in Soil of Changchun Central Urban Area, Northeast China

Eighteen organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) in soil samples from the Changchun central urban area, Northeast China were analyzed using accelerated solvent extraction combined with gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (ASE-GC/MS) for the purpose of elucidating their contamination status, distribution characteristics, influencing factors, and feasible dangers in this city region. The complete concentrations of OCPs ranged from 15.63 to 92.79 ng/g, with a geomean of 36.46 ng/g. Hexachlorocyclohexane(HCHs), dichlorodiphenyltrichoroethane (DDTs), and chlordanes were the most dominant OCPs, with γ-HCH and p,p′-DDT being the predominant isomers. Higher concentrations of OCPs often centered to the northeast and southwest of the Changchun metropolis, and these artificial influences contributed to the destiny of OCPs in the soils. The residues of OCPs were derived from the historic utility of the technological DDT, dicofol, and lindane. A Pearson’s correlation evaluation indicated that TOC was once a key factor controlling OCP accumulation. The ecological risk evaluation based on the soil quality guidelines (SQGs) advises that the presence of DDTs, lindane, and heptachlor may additionally pose a poisonous ecological danger to soil organisms. The contrast outcomes of the incremental lifetime cancer risk (ILCR) confirmed that the highest cancer risk of OCPs to the posed populace was once low, whilst some unique areas with excessive OCP residues ought to be given attention. The research results provide basic information for evaluating the extent of OCP pollution in the soil of major cities in Northeast China and can help authorities establish environmental protection regulations and soil remediation techniques.

Organochlorine Pesticides in Soil–Groundwater–Plant System in a Famous Agricultural Production Area in China: Spatial Distribution, Source Identification and Migration Prediction

Being a famous hometown of vegetables in China, Shouguang City has a long history of vegetable cultivation and is a comprehensive national commodity base for vegetables and fruits. In recent decades, with the expansion of agricultural production, the use of pesticides is increasing. Although organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) have been banned, there are still some residues in soil, groundwater and other media. The study on the migration of the OCPs in soil and groundwater is of great importance for the maintenance of food security. Using methods of hydrogeological survey, laboratory testing and numerical simulation, the spatial distribution characteristics, sources and pollution degree of OCPs in soil and groundwater were analyzed, and the migration and transformation of OCPs in soil–groundwater was dynamically simulated and predicted. The study showed that there were many kinds of OCPs residual in the soil environment. The hexachlorocyclohexane (HCHs) in the topsoil of the study area were mainly due to the use of lindane, and the main source of dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDTs) in soil was the use of DDTs in history. The contents of HCHs, DDTs and hexachlorobenzene in the topsoil of the study area were at a low level, while the content of endosulfan metabolite endosulfan sulfate was comparatively higher. In recent years, the content of organochlorine pesticides in soil has generally decreased. The indexes of OCPs in groundwater can meet the Standards for Drinking Water quality of China. It was predicted that the HCH pollutants would mainly be distributed in Gucheng Street, Shangkou Town, and its south area where the concentration exceeds 3 ng/L exceeds that of 240 km2. DDT pollutants would mainly be distributed in the east and north of Shouguang City, where the concentration beyond 0.6 ng/L exceeds that of 200 km2. Endosulfan sulfate pollutants would mainly be distributed in the Gucheng Street Office, Shangkou Town, and its south area where the concentration exceeds 1.5 ng/L will exceed that of 150 km2. Hexachlorobenzene (HCB) pollutants would mainly be distributed in Fengcheng in the west of Shouguang City and Nancha River in the northeast, where the concentration exceeds 0.2 ng/L will exceed that of 200 km2. The study enriched the monitoring data of OCPs in agricultural planting areas and provided reference for source analysis, migration prediction, and pollution prevention of OCPs.

Oxidative stress induction by OCPs and OPPs pesticides may cause lung cancer incidence

Background and aims Pesticides are nowadays known as one of the most important causes of human disorders worldwide. The aim of the present study was to investigate the role of organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) and organophosphorus pesticides (OPPs) in the development of lung cancer. Methods We determined the levels of seven derived OCP residues (α-HCH, β-HCH, γ-HCH, 2,4 DDT, 4,4 DDT, 2,4 DDE, and 4,4 DDE) and enzymatic antioxidant biomarkers including paraoxonase-1 (PON-1), erythrocyte’s acetylcholinesterase (AChE), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and non-enzymatic antioxidant biomarkers, including total antioxidant capacity (TAC), protein carbonyl (PC), malondialdehyde (MDA), and nitric oxide (NO) in the blood samples of 51 lung cancer patients and 51 healthy subjects as controls. Furthermore, the effects of OPP exposure on the development of lung cancer and oxidative stress (OS) are indirectly assessed by measuring AChE and PON-1 enzyme activities. Results The average values of all the measured OCPs were significantly higher in lung cancer patients when compared with healthy control subjects (p < 0.05). AChE, PON-1, GPx, and CAT activity levels, as well as the amounts of PC, MDA, and NO were higher in patients with lung cancer than in the control subjects (p < 0.05), while TAC values were lower in the patients. Moreover, our data showed a significant association between OCP concentrations and OS parameters (p < 0.05). Conclusion The results suggest that OCPs and OPPs may have a role in lung cancer incidence in southeastern Iran, and at least one of the mechanisms by which OCPs and OPPs may contribute to increasing the development of lung cancer in the studied area is through OS generation.