Endrin Aldehyde Research Articles

Assessing the distribution and ecotoxicological risks of organochlorine pesticides in a river-wetland system of the Manipur River basin, India

ABSTRACT The present study aims to evaluate the distribution of organochlorine pesticides in the Loktak Lake and its draining rivers over a spatial and seasonal scale. Organochlorine pesticides including α- HCH, β- HCH, γ- HCH, δ- HCH, Aldrin, 4,4-DDE, Endrin, Endosulfan II, 4,4-DDD, Endrin Aldehyde, Endosulfan sulphate and 4,4-DDT were analysed in the water and sediments adopting gas chromatography and mass spectrometric techniques. The concentration of pesticides recorded the highest concentration of 2271 ng/l in the water samples and 5319 ng/g in sediment samples. In water samples, Endosulfan II, Endrin and γ- HCH were present at the higher concentrations, whereas α-BHC was recorded at the lowest at 0.78 ng/l. In sediment samples, 4, 4-DDT recorded the highest concentration, followed by 4,4-DDD and Endosulfan II. Human health risk assessment based on water consumption shows higher risk potential from five pesticides. Pesticides in the region may pose a threat to the wetland comprising vital flora and fauna of the biodiversity hotspot. The bacterial population was more or less related to the pesticide concentration, with a lower population at less contaminated sites.

Organochlorine pesticide residues and urinary arsenic and fluoride levels in mothers and their newborns who are residents of rural areas in Durango State, Mexico

ABSTRACT Maternal and prenatal exposure to organochlorine pesticides (OCP), arsenic (As), and fluoride (F−) is a critical public health concern. The present study assessed serum OCP residues and urinary As and F− levels in mother and newborn pairs who are residents of rural areas of Durango State, Mexico, from August 2018 to February 2019. Levels of OCP, As, and F− were measured in serum and urine samples by Gas chromatography – Tandem mass spectrometry (GC – MS/MS), Hydride generation – Atomic fluorescent spectrometry (HG-AFS, and ion-selective electron analysis (ISE), respectively, in 60 binomial mothers – newborns. Dieldrin, endrin aldehyde, and endosulfan-II were significantly higher in newborns than in mothers (p ˂0.05). Meanwhile, no significant differences were observed for As and F− concentrations between mother – newborn pairs. Differences were observed in ∑Dienes and ∑DDTs comparing newborns with normal and low birth weights and a positive relationship in ƩDienes, ƩChlordanes, and ƩDDTs between mother and newborn pairs (p ˂ 0.05). These findings highlight the importance of extensive research regarding the influence of pollution.

Evaluating bottle liquid-liquid extraction technique for monitoring residual levels of organochlorine pesticides in wastewater treatment-associated matrices

The gold standard for recovering residual organochlorine pesticides from wastewater and aqueous environmental matrices is the continuous liquid-liquid extraction (CLLE) technique that requires methylene chloride (CH2Cl2) as solvent at its refluxing temperature. In light of a recent USEPA proposed prohibitions and workplace protections for CH2Cl2 (due to its toxicity) and the fact that CLLE requires expensive and hard-to-acquire glassware, an alternative to CLLE as currently practiced is needed. The bottle liquid-liquid extraction (BLLE) technique, demonstrated for extracting semi-volatile organic contaminants from surface water, is potentially a low cost and high throughput alternative for such recovery. BLLE is cheaper and has a smaller laboratory footprint. The technique, performed at ambient temperature in a tightly capped bottle, requires less amount of solvent and contains solvent vapor within the bottle. The latter means less CH2Cl2 is encountered in the workplace. In this study, BLLE was performed directly in 1-L amber sampling bottles and shown to recover 21 organochlorine pesticides as efficiently as CLLE from influents and effluents of two wastewater treatment plants Because no statistical differences were found between CLLE (mean = 77.4, SD = 9.28) and BLLE (mean = 79.1, SD = 14.3); t(22) = 0.548, p(same mean) = 0.58, even though CLLE recovered more pesticides than BLLE by 5.18 ± 8.15%, these techniques are amenable to interchangeable usage. The systematic bias so far detected fits the expression BLLE = 1.4[CLLE] – 35 (r = 0.88). Both CLLE and BLLE recoveries were consistently higher for 4,4′-DDD and lower for aldrin, heptachlor and endrin aldehyde. Diethyl ether addition, as some suggested, did not improve BLLE.Synopsis: There is need to find a cheap, reliable and high throughput technique for purifying SVOCs from aqueous environmental media efficiently. BLLE, a little known technique, fulfils this need.

Hematological, biochemical, and hormonal effects of organochlorine pesticide residues found in canal and tap waters on albino white rats

Analysis of water from the canal that feeds the Damanhour water station and tap water in Damanhour, Beheira Governorate, Egypt, revealed the presence of gamma-HCH, beta-HCH, heptachlor epoxide, p, p D.D.E., dieldrin, endrin aldehyde, endosulfan sulfate, and endrin ketone. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the adverse effects of administration of the OCl pesticide residues found in canal water (0.0448 µg/ kg b. wt.) and tap water (0.022 µg/ kg b. wt.) to white Albino rats. Results revealed that treatment of male and female rats with a single oral dose of OCl pesticide residues found in both canal and tap water caused slight alteration in Hemoglobin (Hb), red blood cells (RBC) in male rats, and packed cell volume (PCV) in male and female treated rats relative to control. There was a significant increase in Hb, a decrease in RBC counts in treated female rats, and a significant decrease in WBC count in both male and female rats. There was a slight alteration in GOT, GPT, and G.GT activity in both male and female rats and a significant increase in alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity in male rats. Compared to controls, treated rats had substantial increases in uric acid and albumin concentrations and a slight alteration in total protein concentration in the serum. Administration of OCl residues to rats caused no significant effect on male or female progesterone. It caused a significant increase in testosterone concentration in treated female rats and a decrease in the serum of male rats. Compared to controls, treated male rats had slightly lower follicle stimulation hormone (FSH) levels, and treated female rats had higher levels. Also, no significant difference was observed in T4 levels between the control and treated females in treated rats. However, the T4 level increased significantly in the males administered the high O.C.s found in canal water. T3 levels decreased in the serum of male and female rats, but T3 was significantly reduced in male rats given an oral dose of OCl residues in canal water. Unlike their effects on T3 levels, the impact of OCl residues on T4 levels in this study was inconsistent in treated rats. Conclusions: Administration of a single oral dose of OCl pesticide residues found in both canal and tap water to rats caused significant and non-significant alteration in some hematological, biochemical, and hormonal biomarkers in the serum of treated rats compared to control.

Enrichment, bioaccumulation and human health assessment of organochlorine pesticides in sediments and edible fish of a plateau lake.

The organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) are with features of persistence, high toxicity, bioaccumulation and adverse impact on ecosystems and human beings. Although OCPs pollutions have been observed in the plateau lakes, comprehensive understandings in the distribution characteristics and human health risks of OCPs in these valuable but fragile ecosystems are limited. We here investigated the distribution, bioaccumulation process and health risks of OCPs in the Jianhu lake, a representative plateau lake in China. The endrin ketone, endrin aldehyde and heptachlor were the most dominant species in surface and columnar sediments. Their total contents ranged between 0 ~ 1.92 × 103ng·g-1. The distribution of OCPs in sediment cores combined with chronology information indicated that the fast accumulation of OCPs happened during the last decades. Combining the distribution features of OCPs in different sources with mixing model results of carbon isotope (δ13C), farming area was identified as the main source (46%), and the OCPs were transported to lake by inflow-rivers (37%). The enrichment of OCPs in sediments caused considerable bioaccumulation of OCPs in local fish (∑OCPs 0-3199.93ng·g-1, dw) with the bio-sediment accumulation factor (BSAF) ranging from ND to 9.41. Moreover, growing time was another key factor governing the accumulation in specific species (Carassius auratus and Cyprinus carpio). Eventually, the carcinogenic risk index (CRI) and exposure risk index (ERI) of the endrin category and aldrin exceeded the reference value, indicating relatively high health risks through consumption of fish. Overall, this study systematically illustrated the bioaccumulation process and health risks of OCPs in the typical plateau lake, providing theoretical support for the better protection of this kind of lakes.

Oxidative stress, hematological, biochemical, and hormonal alterations induced by exposure tilapia fish of Edko Lake, Egypt, to organochlorine pesticide residues in Edko Lake water.

Background: Organochlorine (OCl) pesticide residues, including gamma-HCH, beta-HCH, heptachlor epoxide, p, p DDE, Dieldrin, endrin aldehyde, endosulfan sulfate, and endrin ketone, were found in the water of Egypt's Edko Lake in the Beheira Governorate. Therefore, the present study evaluated the effect of these OCl pesticide residues on some hematological, biochemical, and hormonal indices of lake tilapia fish. Results: The impact on hematological parameters indicated that these OCl residues cause a significant increase in WBC counts, hematocrit (HCT) values in male and female fish and a considerable rise in HGB and lymphocytes (LYM) in male fish. Liver function biomarkers, such as aspartate amino transaminase (AST) and alanine amino transaminase (ALT), increased significantly because of these OCl residues. In contrast, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) went down a lot. In addition, they decreased the level of glucose compared to the control. Levels of biomarkers related to kidney functions, i.e., uric acid and creatinine, increased significantly. Also, antioxidant enzymes like catalase, glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and glutathione reductase (GR) increased. However, the activity of GST decreased a lot in both male and female fish, and the level of superoxide dismutase (SOD) was reduced in male fish. Results revealed an alteration in thyroid hormone levels (thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3)) in fish plasma compared with the control. Also, a significant decrease in folic stimulation hormone (FSH) in female fish and a substantial reduction in progesterone and testosterone hormones in male fish. Conclusions: The OCl pesticide residues found in Edko Lake water directly induced significant adverse effects on hematological components and biomarkers of liver and kidney functions and may have caused hormonal disturbances that harm fish health.

Serum Concentrations of Organochlorines in Breast Cancer Women: A Pilot Hospital Based-case Control Study in Vietnam

Cancer, in general, and breast cancer in particular, is one of the noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) that is increasing rapidly in the world, especially in developing countries like Vietnam. Along with other etiological factors (e.g., genetics, family history, age, etc.), there is growing scientific evidence that exposure to environmental carcinogens, especially endocrine disrupting chemicals-EDCs (e.g., organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) and some other organic compounds), is potentially associated with increased incidence of several NCDs including breast cancer in animal and human studies. People are frequently exposed to various carcinogens, such as pesticides, in their lifetime. Organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) are frequently used worldwide as insecticides, fungicides, herbicides and termiticides, and people may be exposed to these substances at different levels due to direct and/or indirect ways. Therefore, the aim of this paper is to study the accumulation level of serum organochlorines in breast cancer in a case-control study in Vietnam. A random collection of blood samples was carried out from the cases (breast cancer patients, n=146) and controls (healthy women, n=146) with informed consent in a hospital-based case and control study. Serum was separated within 2h of blood collection and then subjected to further purification before analysis by Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS) method. The determination of 18 organochlorines (Aldrin, α-BHC, β-BHC, δ-BHC, γ-BHC, Heptaclor, Heptaclor epoxide, Diendrin, Endosulfan I, Endosulfan II, Endosulfan sulfat, Endrin, Endrin aldehyde, Endrin ketone, p,p’ DDD, p,p’ DDT, p,p’DDE, Methoxyclor) showed that only p,p′-DDE (as a main metabolite of p,p′-DDT) was detected in the blood samples of the cases (26.0%) and controls (10.3%). In addition, p,p′-DDT was the only pesticide detected in the disease group with low concentration (3.4%). The average concentration of p,p'-DDE in the case (3.51 ± 0.99 ppb) was higher than that in the control (1.89 ± 0.43 ppb) with a significant statistical difference (p < 0.05).

Assessment of aflatoxin and pesticide residue in cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L. Walp.) from North Central Nigeria

Cowpea is a major staple food crop which serves as a source of protein for many Nigerians. Its production and preservation involve the application of pesticides to ensure optimum yield and prevent storage losses. The study evaluated aflatoxin and pesticide residues present in Cowpea grains obtained from retailers in major markets in six States of North Central and the Federal Capital Territory Abuja, Nigeria. The quantitative detection of pesticide residue was conducted through the use of Gas chromatography fitted with Electron Capture Detector (GC-ECD). Aflatoxin (AfB1, AfB2, AfG1 and AfG2) analysis was conducted by the use of thin layer chromatography (TLC). Twenty-three pesticide residues including organochlorine insecticides, dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT), dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene (DDE), dichlorodiphenyldichloroethane (DDD), fungicide (Etridiazole, chloroneb), herbicide (Simazine, atrazine) were detected in cowpea samples. Dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene (DDE) was present in 95% of the samples while endosulfan sulfate and endosulfan II were detected in 85% of the cowpea samples. Endrin aldehyde, DDT and DDD were the least detected. Pesticides residues in cowpea grains tested ranged from 72.67 mg kg- 1 in samples from Kogi State to 159.67 mg kg-1 in samples from Plateau State which were above the allowable limits of 20 mg kg-1. Aflatoxin was below detectable limits in all the cowpea samples analyzed. The high amount of pesticide residues in the cowpea samples poses health hazards to unsuspecting cowpea consumers.

Tracing of contamination level of organochlorine pesticides in Bottle gourd (Lagenaria siceraria), Sponge gourd (Luffa aegyptiaca), Brinjal (Solanum melongena), Plum (Prunus domestica), Kiwi (Actinidia deliciosa) and Pineapple (Ananas comosus)

Fruits and vegetables have nutritional value, but they can also be source of toxic contaminants such as pesticide residues. The aim of this study was to estimate the contamination level of pesticide residues in summer season fruits and vegetables. The constant use of pesticides contaminated fruits and vegetables pose a major risk to community health. An electron capture detector was used in Gas chromatography analysis to monitor 20 organochlorine pesticides including α-chlordane, γ-chlordane, isomers of benzene hexachloride (α-BHC, β-BHC, γ-BHC, δ-BHC), 4,4’-DDT, 4,4’-DDE, 4,4’-DDD, aldrin, dieldrin, endrin, endrin aldehyde, endrin ketone, heptachlor, heptachlor epoxide, endosulfan-I, endosulfan II, endosulfan sulfate and methoxychlor in six types of fruits and vegetables (bottle gourd, sponge gourd, brinjal, plum, kiwi and pineapple) of summer season. It was found that plum and pineapple were found contaminated with 4,4’-DDD and other fruits and vegetables were found contaminated with more than one pesticides. During the tracing it was noticed that the estimated pesticides concentrations were lower than the (MRL) values but constant eating of infected pesticide fruits and vegetables may produce severe health complications. The findings of the present research showed that the existence of strict rules and observance of pesticide residues in fruits and vegetables is a basic need.

Accumulation of organochlorine pesticide (OCP) residues in surface water and sediment from the İznik Lake in Turkey.

This study was carried out to evaluate organochlorinated pesticide (OCPs) concentrations in the water column and sediments of İznik Lake. Water samples and sediment were collected in different regions (six sampling sites) of the lake between January and December 2019 and tested for OCPs by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The results revealed that OCP residues throughout the sites varied depending on the anthropogenic activities of the region. OCPs detected in surface waters ranged from 0.01 to 60.80μg/L and sediments from 0.06 to 14.21ng/g dw. Endrin ketone, endrin aldehyde, endosulfan II, endrin, heptachlor epoxy, beta-BHC, gamma-BHC, ppDDD, and ppDDT concentrations exceeded the maximum residue limits indicated by the World Health Organization (WHO) for surface waters. Of the 18 analyzed OCP components, 17 were detected in sediment samples, and it was noted that they reached the highest concentration in summer. The presence of relatively high OCP levels according to WHO regulations in the waters of İznik Lake, around which agricultural activities have been increasing rapidly in recent years, is a serious concern, and therefore, appropriate actions should be taken into consideration by the regulatory authorities.

Organochlorine pesticide exposures, metabolic enzyme genetic polymorphisms and semen quality parameters among men attending an infertility clinic.

The associations of organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) with semen quality from human studies are conflicting, and also it is largely unknown whether the associations are modified by genetic polymorphisms. We aimed to evaluate the associations between serum concentrations of 18 OCPs and semen quality among 387 Chinese men, and further to examine the modifying effects by genetic polymorphisms in cytochrome P450 (CYP2E1) and glutathione S-transferase (GSTT1). Multivariable linear regressions were used to evaluate the relationships between serum OCP concentrations and semen quality, and the role of CYP2E1 and GSTT1 polymorphisms in modifying the associations were assessed. Multiple testing was adjusted using the false discovery rate (FDR). We observed that men with detectable concentrations of serum ɤ-HCH had a decrease in sperm motility of 7.07% (95% CI: -10.9%, -3.24%) compared to those with undetectable concentrations (FDR-P value=0.02). Men with TT of CYP2E1 rs 915906 genotypes had higher median concentrations of serum dieldrin compared with those with CT/CC of CYP2E1 rs 915906 genotypes. There were interactions between CYP2E1 and GSTT1 polymorphisms and certain OCPs namely ɤ-HCH, δ-HCH, dieldrin, endosulfan I, and endrin aldehyde on semen quality. For example, elevated dieldrin levels in relation to decreased sperm concentration, sperm count, and sperm motility were only observed among men with CC of CYP2E1 rs2031920 genotypes (all Pinteraction < 0.05). However, these interactions were not statistically significant after the FDR adjustment. Our results suggested that CYP2E1 and GSTT1 polymorphisms may modify the effects of OCP exposures on semen quality. Due to the relatively small size samples, further investigation is warranted to confirm the findings.

Phytoremediation of Soil Contaminated by Organochlorine Pesticides and Toxic Trace Elements: Prospects and Limitations of Paulownia tomentosa.

Paulownia tomentosa (Thunb.) Steud is a drought-resistant, low-maintenance and fast-growing energy crop that can withstand a wide range of climatic conditions, provides a high biomass yield (approximately 50 t DM ha−1 yr−1), and develops successfully in contaminated sites. In Kazakhstan, there are many historically contaminated sites polluted by a mixture of xenobiotics of organic and inorganic origin that need to be revitalised. Pilot-scale research evaluated the potential of P. tomentosa for the phytoremediation of soils historically contaminated with organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) and toxic trace elements (TTEs) to minimise their impact on the environment. Targeted soils from the obsolete pesticide stockpiles located in three villages of Talgar district, Almaty region, Kazakhstan, i.e., Amangeldy (soil A), Beskainar (soil B), and Kyzylkairat (soil K), were subjected to research. Twenty OCPs and eight TTEs (As, Cr, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Cd, and Pb) were detected in the soils. The phytoremediation potential of P. tomentosa was investigated for OCPs whose concentrations in the soils were significantly different (aldrin, endosulfans, endrin aldehyde, HCB, heptachlor, hexabromobenzene, keltan, methoxychlor, and γ-HCH) and for TTEs (Cu, Zn, and Cd) whose concentrations exceeded maximum permissible concentrations. Bioconcentration (BCF) and translocation (TLF) factors were used as indicators of the phytoremediation process. It was ensured that the uptake and translocation of contaminants by P. tomentosa was highly variable and depended on their properties and concentrations in soil. Besides the ability to bioconcentrate Cr, Ni, and Cu, P. tomentosa demonstrated very encouraging results in the accumulation of endosulfans, keltan, and methoxychlor and the phytoextraction of γ-HCH (TLFs of 1.9–9.9) and HCB (BCFs of 197–571). The results of the pilot trials support the need to further investigate the potential of P. tomentosa for phytoremediation on a field scale.

Assessment of systemic and carcinogenic health risks of persistent organochlorine pesticide residues in four fruit vegetables in south-western Nigeria

PurposeThe study assessed the levels of organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) and their potential non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic health risks in four regularly consumed fruit vegetables.Design/methodology/approachThe OCPs’ residues were quantified using a gas chromatograph coupled with an electron capture detector (GC-ECD) and the dietary exposure of children, and adult consumers to the detected OCPs was evaluated using carcinogenic and systemic health risk estimations.FindingsAldrin, endrin, endrin aldehyde, a-endosulfan, β-endosulfan, endosulfan sulphate, heptachlor, heptachlor epoxide and dieldrin were detected in the four fruit vegetables. The predominant OCP residue in carrot, cucumber, tomatoes and watermelon was endosulfan sulphate with mean concentrations of 2.532 mg kg−1, 1.729 mg kg−1, 2.363 mg kg−1 and 1.154 mg kg−1, respectively. The residues levels in some of the fruit vegetables were higher than their respective maximum residue levels (MRLs) of 0.01–0.05 mg kg−1 set by the European Commission with concentrations above MRLs ranging between 25.5% and 100%. The systemic health risk estimations showed that the hazard index (HI) values for carrot (3.20), cucumber (9.25), tomatoes (50.21) and watermelon (16.76) were >1 for children consumers and the respective HI values of 2.87, 15.57 and 5.20 for adult consumers of cucumber, tomatoes and watermelon were >1 which implies potential systemic health risks. Four carcinogens (aldrin, dieldrin, heptachlor and heptachlor epoxide) had cancer risk index values greater than the acceptable risk of 1 in 1 million for both adult and children consumers.Originality/valueThe paper shows that despite the ban on the use of OCPs in Nigeria, they are still being used for agricultural production especially on some locally produced and regularly consumed fruit vegetables as reported in the present study. The non-existence of surveillance programmes on pesticide usage and the lack of proper monitoring of pesticide residues in food products including fruit and vegetables must have contributed to the levels of the detected OCP in the samples analysed. The current daily intake of OCP via contaminated vegetables may pose potential health risks to both the children and adult consumers of the fruit vegetables.

Organochlorine pesticide residues in raw and grilled freshwater fish (Oreochromis niloticus) collected from various locations along the Nile basin in Egypt.

The current study aimed to assess meat quality of samples of Nile tilapia fish (Oreochromis niloticus), along with examining organochlorine pesticide (OCP) residues in these samples and their potential risks to humans. About 55 samples were collected from eleven sites on the Nile River in Egypt: Damietta, El-Behera, El-Dakahlia, Kafrelsheikh, El-Gharbia, El-Menoufia, Cairo, El-Giza, El-Fayoum, El-Menia, and Aswan Governorates. Fish samples were analyzed fresh and grilled for meat quality characteristics and the presence of OCP residues using the QuEChERS method for extraction and cleanup accompanied by detection using GC-MS (gas chromatography-mass spectrometry) system. Then, risk hazards of OCP residues were calculated. Results showed that all quality criteria of raw and cooked meat samples were within the permissible levels set by the Egyptian Organization for Standardization and Quality (EOS). The detected residues of OCPs in fresh samples were hexachlorocyclohexanes (α-HCH, β-HCH, and δ-HCH), heptachlor, heptachlor epoxide, aldrin, dieldrin, endrin aldehyde, endosulfan, and p,p'-DDE. Endrin aldehyde was detected in all tested sites, while heptachlor epoxide was found in eight (73%) out of the 11 tested locations. After grilling, aldrin, heptachlor epoxide, endosulfan, and endrin aldehyde compounds were found in fish meat. Cooking fish samples reduced the OCP residue amounts by at least 95% of detected amounts in fresh meat.

Organochlorine pesticide residues in plants and their possible ecotoxicological and agri food impacts

Scientific investigations on levels of Organochlorine Pesticide (OCP) residues in plants largely consider the edible parts (crops, vegetables, and fruit plants). Though the non-edible parts of plants are not eaten by human beings directly, these parts are consumed by livestock and other animals, thereby facilitating the flow of chemical residues through the food chain. The objective of the present investigation was to evaluate the concentration of OCP residues in non-edible plant parts to provide insights on their potential ecotoxicological impacts. Eighteen OCP residues were extracted in nine different plant species (banana Musa acuminate, brinjal Solanum melongena, Casuarina equisetifolia, Eucalyptus globulus, lotus Nelumbo nucifera, paddy Oryza sativa, sugarcane Saccharum officinarum, tapioca Manihot esculenta, tomato Lycopersicon esculentum) following QuEChERS method. The concentrations of OCP residues in plant extracts were determined using Gas Chromatography coupled with Mass Spectrometry (GC–MS). The OCP residues, namely: γ-HCH (lindane), heptachlor epoxide isomer, dieldrin, endrin, endrin aldehyde and endrin ketone were found predominantly in seven plant species. Residues of γ-HCH (lindane) were reported in different parts of plant species such as stem (581.14 ng/g in paddy and 585.82 ng/g in tapioca) and leaf (583.3 ng/g in tomato). Seven samples contained residues of heptachlor epoxide isomer (512.53 to 1173.8 ng/g). Dieldrin was found in paddy stem (489.97 ng/g), tapioca stem (490.21 ng/g) and tapioca leaf (490.32 ng/g). The detected OCPs in the present study were 10–50 times higher than the Maximum Residue Limits (MRL, 0.01–0.1 mg/Kg) as prescribed in the Codex Alimentarius of the FAO/WHO. Their elevated concentrations in the plant parts therefore pose risk of contamination to the consumers in the food chain, including human beings those are dependent on the animals as source of protein. The findings of this study are the first report on residue levels of OCPs in non-edible plant parts in the agricultural landscape of Puducherry region, India. Since, this study assumes significance for the strategic location of Oussudu Lake, an interstate lake spread over Puducherry and Tamil Nadu states, regular monitoring of OCP residues in different environmental segments in strategic locations in both the states is suggested, which will help the authorities in devising a comprehensive environmental management plan aiming at the ecosystem at large.

Assessment of organochlorine pesticides in different seaweed species of Thoothukudi coast, Tamil Nadu, South India

Five species of macroalgae, namely Sargassum wightii, Padina tetrastromatica, Ulva lactuca, Caulerpa racemosa and Gracilaria edulis collected from three sampling sites, viz. Harbour Beach (site 1), Tharuvaikkulam (site 2) and Hare Island (site 3), situated along the Thoothukudi region of the Gulf of Mannar were analysed for 17 organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) to assess their suitability as biomonitors of pesticide contamination. The total OCP concentrations were several folds higher in all the macroalgae collected from site 1 than in the other two sites. Brown alga S. wightii accumulated more OCPs (297 ng g-1) than the other sampled algal species in site 1. The OCPs assessed in this study were endrin aldehyde (51 ng g-1), endrin (48 ng g-1), β hexachlorocyclohexane (45 ng g-1), heptachlor epoxide (43 ng g-1), dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene (37 ng g-1) and endosulfan sulfate (11 ng g-1) in S. wightii. It was observed that the green alga C. racemosa had selective sorption of endosulfan I (43 ng g-1) and red alga G. edulis had selective sorption of endosulfan II (44 ng g-1). The ability of seaweeds to accumulate pesticides was found to be species specific and not class specific. The study indicated that S. wightii could be used as a biomonitor of OCP residues in the marine environment, with the exception of endosulfan. Keywords: Endosulfan, Macroalgae, OCPs, Pesticides

Determination of OCPs, OPPs, and 21 SVOCs in water and sediment samples in five rivers of Shenzhen, China, during the period of 2017 and 2018.

One hundred two semivolatile organic compounds (SVOCs), including 20 organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) and 12 organophosphorus pesticides (OPPs), were determined in the main rivers of Shenzhen, China. As a result, p,p'-dichlorodiphenyldichloroethane (DDD), aldrin, and benzoepin sulfate were the main OCPs detected in surface water, and p,p'-DDD, heptachlor, and endrin aldehyde were the main compounds in sediment. In addition, diazinon was the most frequent OPP detected in both water and sediment. At most sites, SVOCs were at similar concentration levels in 2017 and 2018. Compared with other areas, diazinon and malathion had comparative high concentrations in Maozhou River in this study. Analyzed from the SVOCs concentrations in water and sediment, p,p'-DDD was from the quick degradation of p,p'-dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT), and no recent DDT was input around the investigated area. Besides, the interrelationships among these pollutants were calculated, revealing that OPPs were mainly from the chronically cumulative content, rather than the directly transferring from surface water to sediment. According to the risk assessment, the occurrence of p,p'-DDD and p,p'-DDT affected the aquatic community. All in all, further investigations on the occurrence and source of these pollutants are still needed to avoid the potential risk for human beings living around the contaminated environment.

Occurrence, distribution, and risk of organochlorine pesticides in food and greenness assessment of method.

Organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) have been used globally to boost food production. Although banned, due to their prolonged toxic effects but their residue still impacts the quality of primary and processed agricultural products. This study assesses the levels of residual OCPs (α,β,δ-HCH, heptachlor, heptachlor epoxide, chlordane, methoxychlor, aldrin, dieldrin, endrin, endrin aldehyde, endrin ketone, endosulfan, endosulfan sulfate, 1,1-dichloro-2,2-bis(p-chlorophenyl)ethane (DDD), 1,1-dichloro-2,2-bis(p-chlorophenyl)ethylene (DDE), and 1,1,1-trichloro-2,2-bis(p-chlorophenyl)ethane (DDT)) in food commonly consumed in Lagos and Ibadan, Southwest, Nigeria. Health risk associated with human exposure via food intake was evaluated with a statistical predictive model. About 248 composite food samples from 8 categories were analyzed in Lagos and Ibadan. Sampleextraction and clean-up were by QueChERS method andextracts injected into GC-μECD. ƩDDT concentration was highest in meat products, aquatic foods, dairy products, edible oils, fruits, and cereals, while ƩHCHs were highest in chicken eggs and vegetables. ƩOCP concentrations (ng/g) in food categories were 6.09±1.6-6.85±0.9 (meat), 5.29±2.0-12.3±14 (aquatic foods), 4.86±1.7-5.89±0.8 (dairy products), 4.53±0.8-6.32±1.1 (edible oils), 3.32±1.3 (eggs), 3.54±1.0-4.80±1.5 (fruits), 4.16±2.7-4.40±0.8 (vegetables), and 6.12±2.0-6.62±0.9 (cereals). The estimated average daily intake of OCPs was 5.91, 12.5, 4.41, 6.40, 1.53, 5.14, 3.95, and 16.7 ng/kg bw/day through the consumption of meat products, aquatic foods, dairy products, edible oils, chicken eggs, fruits, vegetables, and cereals, respectively. The health risk of residual OCPs via ingestion of foods considered in this study was <1, which implied no potential health risk at the current consumption rate. However, regular monitoring of OCPs residues in food is highly recommended. Finally, the method scaled the analytical Eco-Scale evaluation and Green Analytical Chemical Procedure Index as "an acceptable green analysis method."

Characterization of 56 airborne persistent organic pollutants (POPs) in gas-phase and particle-phase

A systematic investigation was conducted on 56 persistent organic pollutants (POPs) in the atmosphere at seven functional regions of Jinan, China. The POPs included 16 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), 6 phthalic acid esters (PAEs), 17 polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), and 17 organochlorine pesticides (OCPs). The concentrations in gas-phase and particle-phase were monitored and analyzed to assess the contamination status and to identify the pollution sources according to the mass ratios between POP congeners and the distribution among the sampling regions and periods. The results show that the pollution level at a recreational area was lower than that in other regions of the city and it was higher in winter than in summer for all the 7 sampling sites. Sixteen polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) were evenly distributed between gas-phase and particle-phase. The total concentration of phthalic acid esters (∑PAEs) in particle-phase was 96.4% larger than that in gas-phase, which was possibly derived from artificial plastics. PCB-126 was one of the major pollutants of the 17 polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in the atmosphere. High-Cl PCBs favored adhering to airborne particles, while low-Cl PCBs tended to stay in gas-phase. The total concentration of 17 organochlorine pesticides (∑OCPs) in gas-phase accounted for 68.0%, while methoxychlor, dieldrin, and endrin aldehyde preferred to particle-phase. Additionally, the preliminary investigation suggests that local pollution sources contributed to most PAHs in urban sites, while the sources could be complex for the suburban area and adjacent towns in winter. Residues of some OCPs could also come from long-distance transportation.

The Improving Conditions for the Aerobic Bacteria Performing the Degradation of Obsolete Pesticides in Polluted Soils

Currently, in the territory of Kyrgyzstan, 50 storage facilities of obsolete pesticides exist; they store about 5000 tons of these hazardous chemicals. The storage conditions have become unusable for a long time. They pose a serious threat to the people living there, livestock, and the environment. The main purpose of this research was the use of selected bacteria with cytochrome P450 genes for the bioremediation of polluted soils around the burial sites in model soil experiments. In the first trial of biodegradation experiments, one contaminated soil was used without any changes in chemical contents, and in the second, the physical and chemical contents of the soil were improved to maintain the bioremediation conditions. The soils in both variants were treated 3 times (ie, once a month) with suspensions of a single culture or a blend of active bacteria (1 × 108 cells/mL) selected from in vitro biodegradation experiments. Two control units without the addition of the bacteria culture were also run. The quantification of targeted persistent organic pollutants (POPs) before and after biodegradation was performed by capillary gas chromatography (GC) coupled to a mass spectrometer. In 6 months, obsolete pesticides such as dieldrin, α-endosulfan, β-endosulfan, and 4-heptachlor-epox pure were able to degrade almost completely, up to 98% to 99.0%, by the blend of bacteria and the single culture of bacteria. Endrin aldehyde showed more resistance as the blend of bacteria was able to degrade it to 59.77%. To improve the aerobic degradation for elimination of pesticides from contaminated soils, it is necessary to create optimal agrotechnical and agrochemical conditions.