Persistent Organochlorine Residues Research Articles

Occurrence and distribution of Organochlorine Pesticide Residues in Water and Sediments of Earthen Fish Ponds in South Western Kenya

Persistent organochlorine residues in the environment are a threat to ecological health of aquatic organisms and pose a health risk to both animals and human consumers. Organochlorine pesticides were determined in water and sediments collected during wet and dry season from selected riverine and earthen fish pond sites in high altitude catchment areas within Kuja River (Kenya) between August 2016–May, 2017. Analysis of DDT and metabolites, Hexachlorocyclohexanes (HCHs) isomers and cyclodienes using a gas chromatograph (GC), and electron capture detector (ECD), confirmed using GC - Mass Spectrometry (MS). Mean (± Standard error) results of DDTs, cyclodienes and HCHs in pond waters were:- below detection level (BDL) to 0.27±0.03µg/L, BDL to 0.11±0.00µg/L, and 4.39±1.01µg/L respectively; and BDL to 0.23±0.01µg/L, 1.20±0.005µg/L, and 1.71±0.02µg/L in river water respectively. Sediment mean OCPs contents were significantly (p<0.05) higher for Dieldrin (3.043±0.43µg/kg), Endrin (2.56±0.460µg/kg), Heptachlor (3.61±0.02µg/kg) DDT (2.97±1.32µg/kg), Endosulfan (6.31.27±1.051µg/kg), Methoxychlor (2.15±1.641µg/kg) and Lindane (2.96±1.32µg/kg), respectively. A longitudinal spatial distribution pattern was noted for both water and sediment OCPs contents, demonstrating that cyclodienes are predominant contaminants in point and non-point sources in water courses. The study recommends continuous monitoring of OCPs in upstream catchment areas for informed management and policy decisions on pesticide use.
 Keywords: Kuja-Migori River; Organic contaminants; Organochlorine Pesticide.

Concentrations and sources of persistent organochlorine residues in the sediments and soils from an industrially impacted area in Anhui, China

In this study, a typical site that had been contaminated by the chemical industry in the past was selected for investigation. To reveal the pollution status, 18 organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) and seven polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in the surface soil and sediment samples were analysed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The levels of the persistent organochlorine residues in the sediment ranged from 44.59–143.29 ng/g, whereas they were 13.94–97.91 ng/g in the soil. A principal component analysis identified that PCBs and dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethanes (DDTs) were the primary sources of the organochlorine residues in the study area. The p,p'-DDT/(p,p'-DDE + p,p'-DDD) values were all below 1, which indicated that the historical inputs of the technical DDT and dicofol were the major sources of DDTs rather than recent inputs. The composition diversity of the hexachlorocyclohexane (HCH) isomers showed that the main sources in the soil were the past use of pesticides, whereas the sediment sources might be due to the historical use of technical HCHs and recent lindane inputs. The ecological risk assessment showed that γ-HCH could pose the highest risks for benthic organisms, followed by DDTs and heptachlor epoxide. These compounds are known to bio-accumulate in fatty tissues. Therefore, routine monitoring of the persistent organochlorine residues in the area is needed and the health risks to local residents should be assessed.

Persistent organochlorine residues in fish and sediments collected from Eastern Aegean coast: Levels, occurrence and ecological risk

Organochlorines were determined in fish and sediment collected from Izmir and Çandarlı Bays. The results indicated that ΣCyclodiens were generally predominant contaminants. In all samples, p,p′-DDE was the predominant DDT congener. Aroclors were found in noticeably higher levels than OCPs in sediment and the highest levels of Aroclors, OCPs were found in Nemrut which can be attributed to industrial activities. According to Sediment Quality Guidelines, DDTs were lower than the values that may cause adverse biological risk in sediment samples. Aroclor 1254 in sediments only exceeded the TEL value at Nemrut site. The maximum values of ΣOCPs were found in fish collected from Gülbahçe, while Aroclors were measured in Aliaga. According to related indices, results indicate no recent influxes of DDT in the sampling areas. The estimated daily intake of DDTs, Aroclor1254 were below the acceptable daily intake level recommended by FAO/WHO.

Avian guano: A non-destructive biomonitoring tool for organic pollutants in environment

Persistent organochlorine residues such as hexachlorohexane isomers (HCHs), chlorocyclodienes and DDT group (DDTs) were determined in fecal matter/guano of common wild pigeon (Columba livia) collected from rural, urban and suburban areas in Jaipur. Chlorinated contamination pattern varied largely among the three areas. Samples collected from rural areas of Jaipur contained greater concentrations of endosulfan (1.17μg/g dry wt) than those of urban and suburban areas. In contrast, fecal samples collected in suburban areas exhibited elevated levels of ∑HCH (0.95μg/g dry wt) as compared with urban (0.46μg/g dry wt) and rural areas (0.82μg/g dry wt). Our study suggests that levels of organochlorine pesticide residues detected in avian guano are perhaps a reflection of the environmental status of the habitat. Thus avian guano may serve as a non-destructive biomonitoring tool for organic pollutants in environment.

Determination of persistent cyclic organochlorine residues in sediment slurry by microporous membrane liquid-liquid extraction and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry

A method, using microporous membrane liquid-liquid extraction technique (MMLLE) and gas chromatography with an electron capture detector (GC-ECD) and gas chromatograph coupled to a mass spectrometer, was developed for the analysis of cyclic organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in sediment slurry. The MMLLE extraction employed isooctane as the organic liquid that was immobilised in the hollow fibre pores and in the lumen, at optimal sample pH value of 2.0 for OCPs and 7 for PCBs. The effect of triton x-100, in enhancing the dissolution of the compounds from sediment, was found to be optimal at a value of 0.15%, while the ionic strength was optimal at a value of 0.01 M. Samples from coastlines along the Indian Ocean in the southern parts of South Africa were found to be contaminated with cis and trans chlordane at concentrations of up to 0.003 mg/kg, while samples from northern parts were contaminated with 2,2’,4’,4-tetrachloro-1,1’biphenyl at concentrations of up to 0.02 mg/kg.Keywords: Organochlorine pesticides, polychlorinated biphenyls, hollow fibre liquid phase micro-extraction, high performance liquid chromatography, mass spectrometry

Persistent organochlorine residues in estuarine and marine sediments from Ha Long Bay, Hai Phong Bay, and Ba Lat Estuary, Vietnam

To assess the organochlorine contamination in the northeast coastal environment of Vietnam, a total of 41 surface sediments were collected from Ha Long Bay, Hai Phong Bay, and Ba Lat estuary, and analyzed for their organochlorine content. Organochlorine compounds (OCs) were widely distributed in the Vietnamese coastal environment. Among the OCs measured, DDT compounds predominated with concentrations ranging from 0.31 to 274 ng g −1. The overall contamination level of DDTs in coastal sediments from northern Vietnam is comparable with those from other Asian countries. However, concentrations exceeding 100 ng g −1 are comparable with high concentrations reported from India and China, the largest DDT consumers in the world. The overall concentrations of PCBs, HCHs, and chlordanes in surface sediments were in the ranges of 0.04–18.71 ng g −1, not detected (n.d.) – 1.00 ng g −1, and n.d. – 0.75 ng g −1, respectively. Ha Long Bay and Hai Phong Bay were relatively more contaminated with DDTs and PCBs than other regions, respectively. In contrast, the distribution of HCHs was relatively homogeneous. OCs contamination in the coastal environment of Vietnam is closely related to shipping and industrial activities. The levels of DDT compounds in harbors and industrial areas exceeded their sediment quality guideline values suggested by Environment Canada [CCME (Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment), 2002. Canadian sediment quality guidelines for the protection of aquatic life. In: Canadian Environmental Quality Guidelines. Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment, Winnipeg, MB] and Australian and New Zealand [ANZECC and ARMCANZ, 2000. National water quality management strategy. Paper No. 4, Australian and New Zealand Guidelines for Fresh and Marine Water Quality, vol. 1, The Guidelines. Australia. Document: http://www.deh.gov.au/water/quality/nwqms/volume1.html], indicating that adverse effects may occur to marine species in that areas.

Organochlorine residue levels in livers of birds of prey from Spain: Inter-species comparison in relation with diet and migratory patterns

Livers from 130 specimens corresponding to 18 species of raptors from Spain were analysed for persistent organochlorine (OC) residues. In all species, p, p′-DDE was the most abundant individual OC compound detected, with geometric means ranging from 61 to 40,086 ng/g ww. The geometric mean for ∑PCB ranged from 225 to 9184 ng/g ww. Migration to Africa, south of Sahara, where p, p′-DDT is still in use, was not associated with higher liver concentrations of its metabolite, p, p′-DDE. The presence of birds in the diet of the species was an important species-specific factor determining the mean liver concentrations of p, p′-DDE and ∑PCB. The effect of the diet on OC concentrations in liver is explained by the lower metabolising capacity of OC compounds in birds, especially for p, p′-DDE.

Assessment of persistent organochlorine residues in sediments of Hadramout coastal area, Gulf of Aden, Yemen

Assessment of persistent organochlorine residues in sediments of Hadramout coastal area, Gulf of Aden, Yemen

Monitoring and Assessment of Persistent Organochlorine Residues in Sediments from the Daliaohe River Watershed, Northeast of China

Surface sediment samples from 12 sites of the three selected rivers in Daliaohe River watershed (Hunhe River, Taizihe River and Daliaohe River) were analyzed with the objective of establishing sources and hazard of the organochlorinae pesticides (OCPs) and polychlorinated biphenyl (PCBs) in surface sediments. The total concentrations of OCPs varied from 3.06 to 23.24 ng g(-1). SigmaHCH (alpha-HCH, beta-HCH, delta-HCH, gamma-HCH), SigmaDDT (p, p'-DDE, p, p'-DDD, o, p'-DDT, p, p'-DDT) and SigmaCyclodiene (Heptachlor, Aldrin, Heptachlor epoxide, Dieldrin, Endrin) ranged from 1.86 to 21.48, 0.5 to 2.81 and 0.56 to 1.53 ng g(-1), respectively. Results of OCPs also illustrate that the most dominant pollutants among the OCPs was SigmaHCH, and gamma-HCH was the most dominant isomer in HCH, which was evidence of recent input of lindane. It possibly came from the runoff of polluted soils and long-scale transportation. Total PCB concentrations ranged between 1.88 and 16.88 ng g(-1). The peak concentrations of PCBs were found in sediments from station T5 and D3, which are in the vicinity of industrial areas and ferry, respectively. These data show a moderate level of OCPs and PCBs contaminations compared to that in other countries.

Study and Measurement of Some Persistent Organochlorine Residues in Sediments from the Two Great Rivers (Tajan and Neka) of Mazandaran Province (Iran)

Study and Measurement of Some Persistent Organochlorine Residues in Sediments from the Two Great Rivers (Tajan and Neka) of Mazandaran Province (Iran)

Persistent organochlorine residues in human breast milk from Hanoi and Hochiminh City, Vietnam: contamination, accumulation kinetics and risk assessment for infants

Despite the ban on persistent organochlorines (OCs) in most of the developed nations, their usage continued until recently in many Asian developing countries including Vietnam, for agricultural purposes and vector-borne disease eradication programs. In this study, we collected human breast milk samples from the two big cities in Vietnam: Hanoi ( n=42) and Hochiminh ( n=44) and determined the concentrations of persistent OCs such as PCBs, DDT and its metabolites (DDTs), hexachlorocyclohexanes (HCHs), hexachlorobenzene (HCB), chlordane compounds (CHLs) and tris-4-chlorophenyl-methane (TCPMe). The contamination pattern of OCs was in the order of DDTs > PCBs > HCHs > CHLs≈HCB≈TCPMe. Compilation of available data indicated that DDT residue levels in human breast milk from Vietnam were among the highest values reported for Asian developing countries as well as developed nations. This result suggests recent usage of DDTs in both north and south Vietnam. Interestingly, in both cities, the p,p'-DDT portion was higher in multiparas than those in primiparas. Considering the fact that the interval between the first and the second child of a mother in Vietnam is usually short, this result probably indicates continuous intake of DDTs in the population. Analysis of infant exposure to DDTs via breast milk suggested that the daily intake rates for number of individuals are close to or above the threshold for adverse effects which may raise concern on children health.

Persistent organochlorine residues in sediments along the coast of mid-Black Sea region of Turkey

The aim of this study is to determine aspects of water and surface sediment quality in the coastal zone of the mid-Black Sea, and of rivers discharging into it, by analyzing their organochlorine pesticides (OC) levels. Surface sediment samples and water samples were collected from 14 sites from the rivers Yeşilırmak, Abdal, Mert, Kürtün, Engiz and Kızılırmak. In sediments, Aldrin ranged from 19.3 to 87.3 ng/g and p, p ′-DDT ranged from 18.6 to 31.0 ng/g.

Age- and sex-dependent distribution of persistent organochlorine pollutants in urban foxes.

The colonization of urban and suburban habitats by red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) provides a novel sentinel species to monitor the spread of anthropogenic pollutants in densely populated human settlements. Here, red foxes were collected in the municipal territory of Zürich, Switzerland, and their perirenal adipose tissue was examined for persistent organochlorine residues. This pilot study revealed an unexpected pattern of contamination by polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), with significantly higher levels of the predominant congeners PCB-138, PCB-153, and PCB-180 in juvenile foxes relative to adult animals. Further data analysis demonstrated that the observed difference was attributable to an age-dependent reduction of PCB concentrations in females, whereas male foxes retained approximately the same PCB burden throughout their life span. A similar sex-related bias between population members has been observed, primarily in marine mammals. Interestingly, the reduction of organochlorine contents with progressive age is reminiscent of human studies, where an extensive maternal transfer of xenobiotics to the offspring has been shown to result in increased exposure levels of infants relative to adults. To our knowledge, this is the first example of an urban wildlife species that faithfully reflects the dynamic distribution of toxic contaminants in the corresponding human population. Suburban and urban foxes occupy habitats in close proximity to humans, depend on anthropogenic food supplies, are relatively long-lived and readily available for sampling, can be easily aged and sexed, have a limited home range, and, therefore, meet several important requirements to serve as a surrogate species for the assessment of toxic health hazards.

Persistent organochlorine residues and their bioaccumulation profiles in resident and migratory birds from North Vietnam

Concentrations of persistent organochlorines (OCs), such as polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), 1,1,1-trichloro-2,2-bis(p-chlorophenyl)ethane (DDT) and its metabolites (DDTs), hexachlorocyclohexane isomers (HCHs), hexachlorobenzene (HCB), and chlordane compounds (CHLs), were determined in whole-body homogenates of resident and migratory birds collected from the Red River estuary, North Vietnam, during March and October 1997. Contamination pattern was in the order of DDTs > PCBs > HCHs > CHLs > HCB in both resident and migratory birds. Residue concentrations, according to the feeding habit, showed little variability, which may reflect relatively similar trophic levels of the bird species analyzed. Resident birds accumulated greater concentrations of DDTs as compared to migrants. In contrast, HCH residues were greater in migratory species. Higher proportions of p,p'-DDT to total DDT concentrations were found in many species of residents and migrants, indicating recent exposure to technical DDT in northern Vietnam. Congener-specific PCB analysis showed the predominance of penta- and hexachlorobiphenyls in all the species analyzed. Estimation of hepatic microsomal enzyme activities suggested higher metabolic capacity for PCB congeners in shore birds from Vietnam as compared to higher-trophic predator birds and marine mammals. Comparison of OC residues in avian species in Asia-Pacific revealed that DDT residues in resident birds in North Vietnam are among the highest values reported for the countries surveyed, suggesting recent usage of DDT in Vietnam. Available data for birds, fish, and bivalves from the recent Asia-Pacific Mussel Watch Program suggested that Vietnam might be a potential source of DDT contamination in Asian developing countries. To our knowledge, this is the first study of the OC accumulation in avian species from Vietnam.

Persistent organochlorine residues and toxic evaluation of polychlorinated biphenyls in sharks from the Mediterranean Sea (Italy)

Persistent organochlorines such as polychlorinated biphenyls including coplanar congeners, DDT compounds and HCB were measured in different tissues (muscle, liver and eggs) of two Mediterranean shark species: namely Centrophorus granulosus and Squalus blainvillei. The concentrations of organochlorines in the tissues and organs of both species were in the order DDTs>PCBs>HCB. The highest values of DDTs, PCBs and HCB were found in liver followed by eggs and muscle. Among DDTs the compound found in greatest concentration was p, p ′-DDE. The PCB profiles were dominated by congeners 138, 153, and 180. The isomers with higher TEQs values were non- and mono- ortho congeners than di- ortho ones in muscle, liver and eggs of both species. Among the non- ortho, PCB 126 was the major contributing individual to the total TEQs in both species.

Organochlorine contamination in the fish of the River Ganges, India

Abstract Concentrations of persistent organochlorine residues were measured in economically important fish of the River Ganges from different locations in Bihar. The contamination pattern of organochlorines in fishes from several locations was Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethanes (DDTs) >Hexachlorocyclohexanes (HCHs) >aldrin>endosulfan. The average wet weight concentrations in the muscles of fishes was; DDTs, 13.6 to 1665.9 ng g-1; HCHs, 115.8 to 1206.8 ng g-1; aldrin, 3.1 to 86.1 ng g-1; and endosulfan 2.9 to 74.5 ng g-1. The study indicates that organochlorine contaminants are still entering the Ganges river system, and suggests that the human population that consumes contaminated fish from the river may be at risk from those contaminants.

Persistent Organochlorine Residues in Risso’s Dolphins ( Grampus griseus) from the Mediterranean Sea (Italy)

Persistent Organochlorine Residues in Risso’s Dolphins ( Grampus griseus) from the Mediterranean Sea (Italy)

Red-legged partridges (Alectoris rufa) as bioindicators for persistent chlorinated chemicals in Spain.

Persistent organochlorine residues such as hexachlorobenzene (HCB), hexachlorocyclohexane isomers (HCHs), chlorocyclodienes, and the DDT group (DDTs) were determined in fat and muscle samples of resident red-legged partridges (Alectoris rufa) hunted in Spain. Chlorinated contamination pattern varied largely depending on geographical distribution. Birds collected from the northern part of Spain contained greater concentrations of lindane (34.4 ng/g fat basis) than those from central or southern Spain. In contrast, red-legged partridges collected in southern locations exhibited elevated levels of p,p-DDE (62.3 ng/g fat basis) as compared with central (31.2 ng/g fat basis) and northern areas (5.6 ng/g fat basis). The only cyclodiene detected, dieldrin, showed higher amounts (3.4 ng/g fat basis) in partridges collected in central Spain. The sex differences in pollutant occurrence and concentrations were negligible. One-year-old birds accumulated greater concentrations of beta-HCH, and dieldrin than older birds. Global comparison of organochlorine concentrations indicated that northern partridges are more contaminated by compounds of industrial origin, whereas southern birds contained greater amounts of agricultural chemicals. Estimates of hazards associated with organochlorine levels in resident red-legged partridges in Spain suggested that southern birds may be at risk from exposure to DDTs, and northern birds may be affected by excessive concentrations of lindane. The use of red-legged partridge as bioindicator for OCP contamination is discussed.

Persistent organochlorine residues in sediments from Chinese river/estuary systems

Persistent organochlorine compounds were analyzed in surficial sediment samples from seven large Chinese river/estuary systems. The reported concentrations of organochlorine compounds in sediments collected from Zhujiang, Minjiang and Jiulongjiang were also presented for comparison. Concentrations of HCH were low in most sediments except the Zhujiang River, where the concentrations were one order of magnitude higher than for the other rivers. The levels of DDT were relatively low in sediments from north Chinese river/estuary systems while the values of DDT were high in South China. Higher concentrations of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) were observed at Huangpujiang, Qiantangjiang and Changjiang, which drain highly industrialized and densely populated areas of China. Compared with the world's other river/estuary systems, the residue levels in these sediments were relatively low, though the production and usage of organochlorines in China is in large quantities. Great water discharge and/or sediment loads and biogeochemical processes such as biodegradation, volatilization, etc., may be responsible for low concentrations.

Persistent organochlorine residues in sediments of Hong Kong Victoria Harbour and Xiamen Western Bay

Samples of surface sediment were collected from Victoria Harbour, Hong Kong (Aug. 1992), and Xiamen Western Bay (Nov. 1993), and analysed for organochlorine (OC) pesticides (HCHs, DDTs) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). Concentration ranges of HCHs, DDTs and PCBs in the survey area of Victoria Harbour were from undetectable to 9.4 μg/kg, 1.38–97 μg/kg and 3.2–81 μg/kg, respectively; those for Xiamen Western Bay were 0.14–1.12 μg/kg, 4.45–311 μg/kg and 0.05–7.24 μg/kg, respectively. The determined residue levels and distribution patterns of these organochlorines are discussed, and the Harbour and Bay contamination levels are compared. Two sediment cores were collected (Oct. 1994) from Xiamen Western Bay for study on the vertical profiles and pollution history of the above contaminants. The vertical profile characteristics indicated that the inner part of Xiamen Western Bay was once polluted by PCBs moderately and that there are still new inputs of DDT.