Organochlorine Pollutants Research Articles

Persistent organochlorine pollutant residues in water, sediment, and fish from Efteni Lake, North-West Türkiye

Abstract The Efteni Lake, Wildlife Development Area is under anthropogenic pressure regarding agriculture and water management. This study aimed to determine and evaluate the persistence of an organochlorine pollutant (POP) and its bio-accumulation and bio-magnification from the water to fish in the lake. Therefore, water, sediment, and fish (Tinca tinca) specimens were collected from different points in the lake. The study showed that dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) compounds were the highest among the organochlorine pesticide (OCP) groups and were found in 100% of all specimens. However, the frequency rates and the concentrations recorded for 4,4-DDT (a DDT metabolite) were higher than for DDT compounds in all three specimen types. The mean total polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) concentrations were , , and in the water, sediment, and fish specimens, respectively. In conclusion, the concentration of OCPs in the water significantly was lower than in the sediment and fish. The top three PCB congeners, as per their mean levels were PCB 138, 151, and 153. Reducing human pressure on Efteni Lake is crucial because POP residues in the lake are likely to pose a danger to aquatic organisms, other wildlife, and to human health.

Insight into the action of magnetite loaded with nano Ni/Fe bimetallic particles (Ni4/Fe@Fe3O4) toward carbon tetrachloride degradation in aqueous solution

Nanometer zero-valent iron (nZVI), Fe2+ and H2 were potential electron donors for CT removal by nZVI. However, the action of these electron donors in CT reduction was often ambiguous. In this study, the actual catalytic activity of Ni4/Fe@Fe3O4 under common ions and humic acid (HA) was investigated. The results showed that Na+ and K+ had no effect on CT removal, Cl‐, SO42‐ and low concentration of Mg2+ was beneficial to CT removal, while NO3‐, HCO3‐, Ca2+ and HA exhibited the negative effects. According to the analysis results of gas chromatography (GC) and ion chromatography (IC), a possible dechlorination pathway of CT was proposed. Furthermore, the action mechanism of nZVI, Ni0 and magnetite (Fe3O4) on CT removal were explored. Among the three possible nZVI reducing mechanism, the use of H2 by Ni0 for the hydrodechlorination was dominant, while the direct reduction of nZVI was secondary. Fe2+, the product of nZVI corrosion, contributed little to CT degradation and required longer reaction time. Ni0 could not only utilize H2 but also form galvanic cells with nZVI to accelerate CT dechlorination. In addition, the support Fe3O4 significantly improved the dispersion of Ni/Fe nanoparticles and its corrosion product Fe2+ also promoted the CT removal. These findings were significant for comprehending the mechanisms of bimetallic nanocomposites in reducing CT, and might guide to the development of nZVI based technology for repairing polluted water or soil with organochlorine pollutants.

Фиторемедиация как метод рекультивации земель, загрязненных хлорорганическими соединениями

Land contamination by organochlorine pollutants is widespread on the territory of the Russian Federation. In many cases, such pollution is of a historical nature, resulting from past human activities. This is the pollution of agricultural land with organochlorine pesticides, as well as the pollution of industrial lands and settlements with polychlorinated biphenyls, dioxins as well as organochlorine solvents. For reclamation of those lands, appropriate methods and technologies are required. This article is devoted to a review of phytoremediation methods for lands contaminated with organochlorine pollutants.
 The article describes the main mechanisms of phytoremediation and gives examples of using these methods for the reclamation of those lands.

Influence of gestational weight gain on the organochlorine pollution content of breast milk

BackgroundTransplacental transfer and breastfeeding are the main transport routes of organic pollutants into children at the beginning of life. Although pollutant transmission through these mechanisms primarily depends on the maternal pollution burden, its impact may be modulated by physiological effects. ObjectivesWe have examined whether gestational weight gain (GWG) exerts an influence on the content of lipophilic low volatile pollutants in breast milk. ResultsColostrum from mothers from the INMA cohorts of Sabadell and Gipuzkoa (n = 256 and 119, respectively) with low GWG as defined by the Institute of Medicine (IOM) from the US National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine had significantly higher concentrations of polychlorobiphenyls (PCBs) and 4,4′-DDE than colostrum in mothers who gained weight within IOM recommendations or in those who exceeded this threshold. Statistically significant differences were also found in the colostrum:maternal serum ratios of these compounds. Women with low GWG retained higher pollutant amounts in colostrum. These observations are consistent with previously described higher concentrations of these pollutants in infant cord blood from mothers with low GWG by IOM standards. They indicate that mobilization of lipophilic organic pollutants by metabolic pregnant changes not only leads to higher fetal transfer but to higher accumulation into the mammary system upon low GWG. Conclusions: The present results show that insufficient GWG, besides increasing in utero exposure, also enhances pollutant transfer to infants during breastfeeding which considerably extends the significance of this physiological change for the pollutant children intake in early life.

Neke od karakterističnih supstanca u reci Devoli, Albanija

This preliminary study presents first data on organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) concentrations in water and sediment samples of Devolli River. It is located in Southeast Albania, in Korca field, which is the second agricultural area in Albania. Sampling stations water of Devolli River were selected in eight different stations, starting from its stream (Gramozi Mountain) to the end of Korca field, near Banja hydropower (Gramshi region). Sampling of water and sediments were done in the same stations, in December 2018. Pesticides were used in the past in this area for many years mainly for agricultural purposes. Also, basin of Devolli River is affected from industrial activity and urban pollution, too. Water irrigation and rainfall contribute on their transport from soil to underground and surface waters. Organochlorine pesticides and PCB are very stable compounds that can be found in the environment for many years after their application. Liquid-liquid extraction was used for isolation of OCPs and PCBs in water samples while ultrasonic extraction was used for their extraction in sediment samples. The simultaneous analysis of organochlorine pollutants in water samples was performed by gas chromatography technique using electron capture detector (GC/ECD). Rtx-5 capillary column (30 m x 0.33 mm x 0.25 um) was used for separation of 17 organochlorine pesticides according EPA 8081A and 7 PCB markers. Relatively high concentrations of organochlorine pesticides were detected in water and sediment samples of Devolli River compare with other rivers of Albania. Their presence can be due to their previous use in Korca field. Volatile PCBs were found in higher concentration in water samples because of atmospheric deposition. Levels of some individual pesticides in surface water samples of Devolli River were found to be higher than permitted levels according to Albania and EU norms. Responsible authorities should be done continues monitoring in water samples of this river.

Comparative Assessment of Organochlorine Pollution of Bottom Sediments in Different Types of Water Bodies in the Sevastopol Region (Crimea)

Comparative Assessment of Organochlorine Pollution of Bottom Sediments in Different Types of Water Bodies in the Sevastopol Region (Crimea)

Comparative Assessment of Organochlorine Pollution of Bottom Sediments in Different Types of Water Bodies in the Sevastopol Region (Crimea)

Comparative Assessment of Organochlorine Pollution of Bottom Sediments in Different Types of Water Bodies in the Sevastopol Region (Crimea)

Advances in degradation mechanisms of 1,2,3-trichloropropane and remediation technology of contaminated sites

1,2,3-trichloropropane (TCP) is an industrially synthesized aliphatic chlorinated hydrocarbon and an intermediate product in the industrial production of epichlorohydrin, which can be used as a precursor for the manufacture of soil fumigant and organic solvents. Due to its biological toxicity, environmental persistence and strong environmental migration ability, 1,2,3-TCP is listed as an emerging organochlorine pollutant in the environment and regulated by many international organizations. Currently, the degradation of 1,2,3-TCP and the remediation of 1,2,3-TCP-contaminated sites receive great attention, but the degradation mechanism of 1,2,3-TCP has not been summarized in depth. This article discussed the origin of 1,2,3-TCP, its environmental impact and ecological effects, and the physical and chemical degradation techniques. This was followed by summarizing the degradation mechanisms of 1,2,3-TCP (e.g., aerobic co-biodegradation, anaerobic biodegradation). Specially, the pathways and mechanisms of microbial biodegradation and transformation of 1,2,3-TCP in anoxic environments (e.g., groundwater) were thoroughly reviewed. The feasibility of using 1,2,3-TCP as an electron acceptor by organohalide-respiring bacteria under anoxic conditions was predicted based on thermodynamic analysis. Last but not least, in situ bioremediation of 1,2,3-TCP contaminated sites was summarized, and prospects for future research were discussed.

Association of serum peripubertal organochlorine chemical concentrations and blood lead levels with pubertal progression in a cohort of Russian boys

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Dioxins, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and lead are widespread environmental pollutants. Peripubertal exposure is associated with altered age of pubertal onset and sexual maturity in boys, but its impact on pubertal progression is unknown. METHODS: The Russian Children’s Study is a prospective cohort of 516 boys residing in an industrial city historically contaminated with organochlorine pollutants, who were enrolled in 2003-2005 and followed annually from ages 8-19 years. At enrollment, blood was obtained to quantify serum dioxin-like toxic equivalents (TEQs), non-dioxin-like PCBs (NDL-PCBs) and blood lead levels (BLLs). At enrollment and annually thereafter, we assessed boys' pubertal Tanner stage and testicular volume (TV) via Prader orchidometer. To distinguish subgroups with similar pubertal trajectories, we applied group-based trajectory modeling to TV from ages 8-19 years. We used multinomial logistic regression to model the association of peripubertal serum TEQs, NDL-PCBs and BLL with pubertal progression subgroups. RESULTS:This Russian cohort had lower prevalence of obesity and higher serum organochlorine chemicals relative to other pediatric populations. We identified three pubertal trajectories: slower, moderate and accelerated. Higher peripubertal serum TEQs were associated with decreased odds of being in the accelerated (OR 0.56, 95% CI 0.32-0.99) or slower (OR 0.85, 95% CI 0.53-1.35) trajectories versus the moderate, but with increased odds of being in the slower trajectory versus the accelerated (OR 1.51, 95% CI 0.82, 2.79). However, higher NDL-PCBs were associated with increased odds of being in the accelerated trajectory, versus the moderate (OR 2.56, 95% CI 0.91-7.20) or slower (OR 3.31, 95% CI 1.07, 10.25). Higher BLLs were associated with increased odds of being in the slower trajectory versus the accelerated (OR 1.48, 95% CI 0.89, 2.45) or moderate (OR 1.21, 95% CI 0.83, 1.75). CONCLUSIONS:Boys with higher peripubertal serum dioxins, NDL-PCBs and lead may have either accelerated or slower pubertal progression, depending on the specific exposure. KEYWORDS: Biomarkers of Exposure, Endocrine disrupting chemicals, Children's environmental health, Male, Reproductive outcomes, Modeling

Concentrations and transportation of metal and organochlorine pollutants in vegetables and risk assessment of human exposure in rural, urban and industrial environments (Bouches-du-Rhône, France).

The bioaccumulation of metals (As, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, Sb, V, Zn, Al, Fe) and organochlorine compounds (PCDD-Fs and PCBs) was assessed in soils and vegetables of 3 sites of contrasted anthropogenic influence (rural and industrial-urban areas). Cultivated soils in industrial areas exhibited diffuse pollution in organochlorine pollutants (PCBs and PCDD-Fs). The pollutant levels encountered in vegetables were always lower than the EU regulatory or recommended values. However, the contents measured in vegetables cultivated near industrialized areas were significantly higher than those observed in rural areas. This was notably the case for Co, Cd, Cr, Ni, Pb, V, NDL- and DL-PCB, PCDD, and PCDF. The leaf pathway appeared as the main absorption pathway for many contaminants. The results suggested that population exposure to pollutants was mainly caused by vegetable ingestion. In the vegetables and soils, the toxicity was mainly caused by the V, Co, Cd, and Pb contents to which can be added As and PCDD-Fs for soils. Therefore, the proximity of vegetable crops to highly anthropised areas has led to long-term exposure of vegetables and soils to air pollutants, leading to an accumulation in the food chain and thus a risk for human health.

Dehalogenation of Dichlorobenzoates by Acidovorax sp. KKS102’s beta class Glutathione S-transferase and its Mutants

Glutathione s-transferases (GSTs) are ubiquitous family of enzymes well known for their detoxification function. Several different classes of the enzyme exist with beta class being the one specific to bacteria. Recently, the enzymes were found to exhibit other functions, in particular dehalogenation of some organic compounds. This property could be extremely useful especially in the bioremediation of some organochlorine pollutants. A beta class GST from Acidovorax sp. KKS102 designated as KKS-BphK was previously cloned and characterized. In this research, molecular docking study was first employed to investigate the possibility of binding of the protein to dichlorobenzoates; byproducts of polychlorobiphenyl degradation. The wild type enzyme together with other mutants were expressed using E. coli BL21 (DE3) cells and purified. The dehalogenation function of the enzymes against dichlorobenzoate derivatives was also investigated through chloride ion detection assay. The results of the molecular docking study indicated the possibility of binding of KKS-BphK to these substrates. Both the wild type and the mutants showed dehalogenation function against the model substrate 1-chloro-2,4- dinitrobenzene (CDNB). Furthermore, the enzymes also showed dehalogenation function against 2,4-dichlorobenzoate derivatives. However, in testing the activity of the enzymes toward 2,5- dichlorobenoate and 2,6-dichlorobenzoate, only K107T and A180P mutants showed some activity while the wild type and C10F mutant showed zero activity. The research indicates the usefulness of beta class GST in the dehalogenation of dichlorobenzoates in addition to their known function of dehalogenating monochlorobenzoates.

Characterization of Compound-Specific Chlorine Isotopologue Distributions of Polychlorinated Organic Compounds by GC-HRMS for Source Identification.

Distributions of chlorine isotopologues are potentially a fingerprint feature of organochlorines. However, the exact distributions remain little known. This study measured compound-specific chlorine isotopologue distributions of six polychlorinated organic compounds (POCs) for source identification. Complete chlorine isotopologues of POCs were detected by gas chromatography coupled to high-resolution mass spectrometry. The measured relative abundances (Ameas), theoretical relative abundances (Atheo), and relative variations between Ameas and Atheo (ΔA) of chlorine isotopologues were determined. These ΔA values were applied to characterize differences in isotopologue distribution patterns, and the ΔA patterns directly illustrated the distribution characteristics. Perchloroethylene (PCE) and trichloroethylene (TCE) from two manufacturers were chosen as model analytes to develop and validate the analytical method, including precision, concentration dependency, and temporal drift. The ΔA values of isotopologues of the PCE and TCE chemicals were from -82.5 to 19.9‰ with standard deviations (SDs) of 0.3-16.9‰. In addition, the ΔA values of the first three isotopologues (with 0-2 37Cl atoms) were from -15.5 to 19.9‰ with SDs of 0.3-1.6‰, showing sufficient precisions. No concentration dependency and temporal drift of ΔA were observed. The method has been successfully applied to source identification for PCE and TCE in commercial chemicals and plastic materials, and four polychlorinated biphenyls in chemicals and sediments, demonstrating that the ΔA values and ΔA patterns were discernable for POCs from different sources. This study demonstrates that compound-specific chlorine isotopologue distributions of POCs are differentiable and measurable, proposing a novel approach to perform fingerprinting analysis for the distributions, which is anticipated to facilitate source identification for organochlorine pollutants.

Environmental contaminant body burdens and the relationship with blood pressure measures among Indigenous adolescents using Bayesian Kernel Machine Regression: Results from the Nituuchischaayihtitaau Aschii: Multi-Community Environment-and-Health Study in Eeyou Istchee, Quebec, Canada, 2005–2009

Early onset hypertension among youth has important cardiovascular health implications later in life. Persistent organochlorine pollutants, polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), and toxic metals have been associated with adverse cardiovascular outcomes. This study examined body burdens of environmental contaminants and blood pressure measurements (BP) among adolescents. We used data collected from the Multi-Community Environment-and-Health Study. First Nation adolescents with valid contaminant and BP measures were eligible. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) produced orthogonal principal component (PC) axes that were subsequently used as independent predictors in modified Poisson regression models, with robust variance estimation. Prevalence ratios (PR) with corresponding 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) were derived for elevated blood pressure (EBP), which was defined as systolic (SBP≥120 mm Hg or diastolic DBP)≥80 mm Hg according to new clinical practice guidelines for BP screening among adolescents between 13 and 19 years of age. Bayesian Kernel Machine Regression (BKMR) further examined individual contaminant contributions on continuous BP measures. In total there were ( n =148; 47 % females) First Nation adolescents. Prevalence of EBP, was 29%. Four PCs were extracted from the PCA analysis. The first axis (PC-1) explained 45% of the total variance, showing positive, primarily high loadings from polychlorinated biphenyl congeners (PCB). PBDEs loaded highly on PC-2, explaining 18% of the variation. Toxic metals (i.e., lead and mercury), and cadmium highly and positively loaded on PC-3 and PC-4, accounting for 11% and 10% of the variation, respectively. EBP was significantly associated with increasing PC-2 (i.e., PBDEs) across all adjusted models, fully adjusted model (PR=1.21; 95% 1.05, 1.40). Results from BKMR bolster the findings from the PCA and regression models. In this cross-sectional analysis, exposure to PBDE, specifically, PBDE-47 may adversely affect BP measures among young First Nation adolescents in Canada.

Distribution of organochlorine pesticide pollution in water, sediment, mollusk, and fish at Saguling Dam, West Java, Indonesia.

This study aims to determine the distribution of organochlorine pesticide pollution in water, sediments, mollusks, and fish at Saguling Dam as baseline data of organochlorine pollution. Samples were obtained from 12 locations, with 9 and 3 sampling points inside and outside the dam, respectively. Measurement of organochlorine residues was carried out using methods of extraction, purification, evaporation, and gas chromatography. Results showed the presence of several types of organochlorine compounds, namely, lindane, aldrin, dieldrin, heptachlor, dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT), and endosulfan. Aldrin was dominant in water (2-37μg/L) and sediments (2-1438μg/L), while DDT and heptachlor were dominant organochlorine compounds in mollusks (13-2758µg/L) and fish (11-104μg/L), respectively. Sediments demonstrated higher organochlorine concentrations than water, mollusk, and fish. The distribution of organochlorine was affected by land use around the Citarum watershed and pollutant input from tributaries.

Loss of microbial diversity does not decrease γ-HCH degradation but increases methanogenesis in flooded paddy soil

Loss of biodiversity is considered to be detrimental to ecosystem function but a mechanistic understanding, and theoretical support, of this process in soil is lacking. Our previous studies found that reductive dechlorination of organochlorine pollutants is usually accompanied by methanogenesis in flooded paddy soil. Here, taking a typical organochlorine pesticide hexachlorocyclohexane isomers lindane (γ-HCH), as an example disturbance, we artificially manipulated the soil microbiome by inoculating irradiated-sterile soil with a serially diluted soil suspension to address the impact of microbial diversity loss on both γ-HCH degradation and methanogenesis. The presence of γ-HCH delayed methanogenesis in all treatments but methanogenesis with increasing dilution levels showed increasing performance. Dilution had little negative effect on the degradation rate of γ-HCH. Dilution intensified the coupling between γ-HCH degradation and methanogenesis, as evidenced by co-occurrence network and RDA analysis. Relative functional redundancy index (rFRI), community assembly, community structure and functional diversity were all significantly affected by dilution, with the bacterial community showing a greater divergence than archaea. Null model analyses suggest the relative contribution of stochastic process increased in bacterial community re-assembly with dilution but decreased in archaea. Intensified coupling between methanogenesis and dechlorination was related to specific microbial taxa. The loss of soil microbial diversity could have an important impact on specialized soil functions such as pollution remediation and greenhouse gas emission, with function restoration regulated by the competitive and synergistically-mediated mechanism of co-occurring microorganisms and assembly processes.

Exceedingly Rapid Enrichment of Organochlorine Pollutants in Complex Samples Using Amino-Functionalized Carbon Nanotubes

Organochlorine pesticides have made a large contribution to the development of modern agriculture but also caused contamination in the environment, and they persistently cause harm to humans and or...

Impact of organochlorine pollutants on semen parameters of infertile men in Pakistan

Male infertility is a major problem with important socioeconomic consequences. It is associated with several pathological factors, including but not limited to endocrine disruption as a result of environmental pollution and the alarming decline in sperm count over the decades is indicative of involvement of many environmental and lifestyle changes around the globe. Organochlorine pollutants such as dichlorodiphenyltrichlorethanes (DDTs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and hexachlorobenzene (HCB) disrupt male reproductive system but the exact effect of environmental exposure on semen parameters in human is still not clear. This study was designed to monitor PCBs, DDTs and HCB in hair, urine and serum samples of infertile and healthy fertile men. Solid-phase microextraction gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (SPME/GC-MS) was used to monitor analytes. All tested compounds were detected, indicating recent use/persistent accumulation. Hair samples revealed no significant association with serum/urine concentrations of the analytes, while serum/urine concentrations were significantly correlated positively. Concentrations were higher in serum compared to other samples. The levels of organochlorine pollutants were higher in infertile men compared to controls with few exceptions. Among PCBs, and DDTs, PCB-153 and pp’-DDT were detected in highest concentrations, respectively. op’-DDT and pp’-DDT levels were significantly higher in infertile men compared to controls. HCB was significantly correlated negatively with sperm motility in all samples. Serum concentrations of all compounds were higher in men with defective semen parameters compared to normospermics. Serum was the best biological sample for assessing health outcomes in relation to exposure levels.

Legacy persistent organochlorine pollutants and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in the surface soil from the industrial corridor of South India: occurrence, sources and risk assessment.

Conversion of agricultural fields into the industrial corridor under the State Industries Promotion Corporation of Tamil Nadu Limited (SIPCOT) necessitated the investigation of soil-borne organic contaminants. This study is the first attempt to evaluate the occurrence of organochlorine pesticides (OCPs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in soils from Mambakkam and Cheyyar SIPCOT belt, along the residential, industrial and agricultural transects. Concentrations of Σ28PCBs, Σ16PAHs and OCPs were in the range 0.3-9ng/g, 33-2934ng/g and nd-81.4ng/g, respectively. Residential areas showed higher OCP concentrations than other site types, probably due to their frequent use in vector control programmes. DDT isomers and α-isomer of endosulfan showed low concentrations indicating past usage of these OCPs. Principal component analysis indicated that high-temperature combustion and industrial processes might be the major sources of high molecular weight PAHs, while low-temperature combustion processes might be responsible for low molecular weight PAHs. PCBs in soil were probably attributed to unaccounted combustion processes of e-waste in the region. Carcinogenic PAHs and Σ28PCBs were higher in the industrial sites. Mean Σ28PCBs at Mambakkam (4.8ng/g) was significantly higher (p < 0.05) than that at the incipient industrial corridor Cheyyar (2.7ng/g). Lower chlorinated PCBs (3-Cl and 4-Cl) amounted to more than half of Σ28PCBs in 75% of the sites. Total toxic equivalents (TEQs) of PAHs (total BaPeq) were found to be maximum in industrial areas. Maximum contribution to TEQs due to dioxin-like-PCBs was from PCB-157, followed by PCB-189.

Preliminary Studies of Organochlorine Pesticides (OCPs) in Sediment, Water and Fish Samples from Ethiope River, Abraka Axis, Southern Nigeria

Selected persistent organochlorine pollutants, including DDT and its metabolites, hexachlorobenzene, dieldrin, Aldrin, heptachlor, HCH as well as some of their isomers were determined in water, sediment and fish samples from the Ethiope River in Southern Nigeria. Twenty organochlorine pesticides were detected in both seasons from October 2012 – September 2013. Results revealed ∑HCH to be 0.620µg/L (water), 33 ng/g (sediment) and 29.00 ng/g (fish) for the rainy season while concentrations of 0.170 µg/L (water), 14 ng/g (sediment) and 28.00 ng/g (fish) were obtained for the dry season. 0.05–0.15 ng/g for aldrin, 0.12–5.8 ng/g for dieldrin, 0.22–0.64 ng/g for endrin, 0.24–6.37 ng/g for endosulfan and 0.21–8.81 ng/g for ΣDDT (p, p` -DDD, p, p` -DDE, p, p` -DDT). Among the OCPs, ∑HCH, endosulfan and PDDT were the most dominant compounds in the river sediments. γ- HCH was the most frequent detected compound in all the samples from this river. Among the cyclodiene compounds, aldrin was in abundance in most of the sediments, water and fish samples. γ-HCH, γ-HCH and HCB contributed this highest value for the water, sediment and fish sample respectively in the rainy season while aldrin, endrin and HCB were the highest contributors to the ΣOCPs to the mean of water, sediment and fish respectively. Hazard quotient and bioaccumulation analysis carried out on the fish sample revealed that the fishes were heavily contaminated with values &gt;1 for both seasons which possess a possibility for ecological concern.

Preliminary Studies of Organochlorine Pesticides (OCPs) in Sediment, Water and Fish Samples from Ethiope River, Abraka Axis, Southern Nigeria

Selected persistent organochlorine pollutants, including DDT and its metabolites, hexachlorobenzene, dieldrin, Aldrin, heptachlor, HCH as well as some of their isomers were determined in water, sediment and fish samples from the Ethiope River in Southern Nigeria. Twenty organochlorine pesticides were detected in both seasons from October 2012 – September 2013. Results revealed ∑HCH to be 0.620µg/L (water), 33 ng/g (sediment) and 29.00 ng/g (fish) for the rainy season while concentrations of 0.170 µg/L (water), 14 ng/g (sediment) and 28.00 ng/g (fish) were obtained for the dry season. 0.05–0.15 ng/g for aldrin, 0.12–5.8 ng/g for dieldrin, 0.22–0.64 ng/g for endrin, 0.24–6.37 ng/g for endosulfan and 0.21–8.81 ng/g for ΣDDT (p, p` -DDD, p, p` -DDE, p, p` -DDT). Among the OCPs, ∑HCH, endosulfan and PDDT were the most dominant compounds in the river sediments. γ- HCH was the most frequent detected compound in all the samples from this river. Among the cyclodiene compounds, aldrin was in abundance in most of the sediments, water and fish samples. γ-HCH, γ-HCH and HCB contributed this highest value for the water, sediment and fish sample respectively in the rainy season while aldrin, endrin and HCB were the highest contributors to the ΣOCPs to the mean of water, sediment and fish respectively. Hazard quotient and bioaccumulation analysis carried out on the fish sample revealed that the fishes were heavily contaminated with values &gt;1 for both seasons which possess a possibility for ecological concern.