HCH Residues Research Articles

Organohalogen compounds in blubber of Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphin ( Tursiops aduncus) and spinner dolphin ( Stenella longirostris) from Zanzibar, Tanzania

Blubber samples of Indo-Pacific bottlenose ( Tursiops aduncus) and spinner ( Stenella longirostris) dolphins from Zanzibar, East Africa, were analyzed for a wide range of organohalogen compounds. Methoxylated polybrominated diphenyl ethers (MeO-BDEs), presumably biogenic, were found at higher concentrations than anthropogenic organochlorine pesticides (OCPs). Only traces of industrial pollutants, such as polychlorinated biphenyls, were detected. The OCP levels found off Zanzibar were lower than those reported from other regions while MeO-BDE levels were higher. The relative composition of the OCPs indicated recent use of lindane (γ-hexachlorocyclohexane) and aged residues of DDT and technical HCH. Placental transfer was estimated to 2.5% and 0.5% of the total burden of OCPs and MeO-BDEs, respectively. Overall transfer from mother to calf in Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins was estimated to 72% and 85% for the OCPs and MeO-BDEs burdens, respectively. Health effects of MeO-BDEs are not known, but structural similarities with well-known environmental toxins are cause for concern.

Seasonal variation of HCH isomers in open soil and plant-rhizospheric soil system of a contaminated environment

Lindane, technically 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6-hexachlorocyclohexane (gamma- HCH), is the most commonly detected organochlorine pesticide from diverse environmental compartments. Currently, India is the largest consumer and producer of lindane in the world. The production of lindane results in the generation of large quantities of waste HCH isomers (mainly alpha-, beta- and delta-). All these isomers are toxic and have a long-range environmental transport potential. The aim of this study was to monitor the seasonal variation of HCH isomers in an open soil-plant-rhizospheric soil system of a contaminated industrial area. For this, selected plant species and their rhizospheric soil (soil samples collected at a depth range of 0-45 cm near to the root system) and open soil samples (soil samples collected (0-30 cm depth) from 1-1.5 m away from the plant root system) were collected for 2 years (two summer seasons and two winter seasons). Seven plant species along with their rhizospheric soil and open soil samples were collected seasonally from different parts of the industry. Plant samples were separated into root, leaf and stem. HCH isomers in plant and soil samples were extracted by matrix solid-phase dispersion extraction (MSPD) and Soxhlet extraction, respectively, followed by GC-ECD. The seasonal difference in occurrence of HCH isomers in plant samples with their respective soil-system was studied by multivariate statistical approaches. The mean concentration of total HCH in plant samples, open soil and rhizospheric soil samples were found in the range of 14.12 to 59.29 mg kg(-1); 38.64 to 104.18 mg kg(-1) and 8.38 to 26.05 mg kg(-1), respectively. Cluster grouping reveals that S. torvum and W. somnifera can accumulate more HCH than other studied species. There was a marked seasonal difference in the occurrence of HCH isomers in plant samples (p < 0.05) and open soil samples (p < 0.01). Comparatively higher levels of HCH isomers were detected from plant samples during summer, while higher levels of HCH isomers were detected from soil samples during the winter season. There was no significant difference in seasonal variation of HCH isomers in rhizospheric soil samples; however, total HCH in rhizospheric soil samples were 4 to 5-fold lower than the open soil samples. The total concentration of HCH isomers in roots is linearly related to their rhizospheric HCH level. HCH isomers were detected in open soil, plants and rhizospheric soil samples. Monitoring studies clearly revealed that the above-mentioned industrial area is contaminated with all major isomers of HCH. Occurrence of all these isomers in the study area point out the lack of sustainable management practices of this industry for protecting the area from hazardous waste. The analytical results confirmed that accumulation depends upon the plant species, soil and climatic conditions. Recently, alpha-, beta- and gamma-HCH have been nominated by the POPs Reviewing Committee for inclusion into the Stockholm Convention to address the HCH contamination on a global level. Therefore, there is an urgent need to stop the production of lindane and remediate contaminated soil sites. Based on the monitoring studies, the promising species like W. somnifera and S. torvum may be selected for the on-site phytoremediation of HCH-contaminated soil. The mismanagement of HCH residues from the organochlorine industry and their contemporary relevance often after decades of their deposition is one key example demonstrating the necessity to evaluate the waste deposits of the respective organochlorine productions and need for a strict waste management, and the necessity of an integrated pollution prevention and control strategy for the whole organochlorine industry including also the developing countries.

Persistent Organochlorine Pesticide Residues in Tissues and Eggs of White-Backed Vulture, Gyps bengalensis from Different Locations in India

Organochlorine pesticide residues were determined in tissues of five Indian white-backed vultures and two of their eggs collected from different locations in India. All the samples had varying levels of residues. p,p'-DDE ranged between 0.002 microg/g in muscle of vulture from Mudumali and 7.30 microg/g in liver of vulture from Delhi. Relatively higher levels of p,p'-DDT and its metabolites were documented in the bird from Delhi than other places. Dieldrin was 0.003 and 0.015 microg/g while p,p'-DDE was 2.46 and 3.26 microg/g in egg one and two respectively. Dieldrin appeared to be lower than the threshold level of 0.5 microg/g. p,p'-DDE exceeded the levels reported to have created toxic effects in eggs of other wild birds. Although varying levels of DDT, HCH, dieldrin, heptachlor epoxide and endosulfan residues were detected in the vulture tissues, they do not appear to be responsible for the present status of population in India.

Simplified determination of combined residues of lindane and other HCH isomers in vegetables, fruits, wheat, pulses and medicinal plants by matrix solid-phase dispersion (MSPD) followed by GC–ECD

A fast, simple and inexpensive sample preparation method based on matrix solid-phase dispersion (MSPD) technique is proposed for the isolation of combined residues of hexachlorocyclohexane isomers from fruits, vegetables, grains, pulses and medicinal plants. Both extraction and clean-up were carried out in a single step and target compounds were determined by gas chromatography coupled with electron capture detection (GC–Ni 63 ECD). The major factors affecting extraction yield and sensitivity, such as type of dispersant material and extraction solvent, were evaluated and optimised. Under optimised conditions, 5 g of sample matrix was dispersed with 500 mg of Florisil and blended with 1 g of anhydrous magnesium sulphate and 500 mg of sodium chloride, and transferred into a glass column containing neutral alumina (2 g) and anhydrous sodium sulphate (500 mg). The dispersed sample matrix was then eluted with 10 ml of n-hexane-ethyl acetate mixture (70:30, v/v) and repeated with another 10 ml of same solvent mixture. Recoveries of the proposed method for the spiked samples ranged from 93% to 103% and the day-to-day variability remained between 5% and 10%. The limit of detection (LOD) of α-, β-, γ- and δ- HCH was 3, 6, 4 and 5 ng g −1, respectively. Satisfactory results were obtained in the routine analysis of real samples, confirming the reliability and efficacy of this method for the analysis of HCH residues in food matrices and medicinal plants.

HCH and DDT Residues in Bivalves Anodonta woodiana from the Taihu Lake, China

The present article attempts to use freshwater bivalves Anodonta woodiana for monitoring the pollution of hexachlorocyclohexane isomers (alpha-, beta-, gamma-, delta-HCH), dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethanes (o, p', p, p'-DDT) and metabolites (p, p'-DDE, p, p'-DDD) in the Taihu Lake, China. A total of 36 bivalves were sampled from 4 sites of Huzhou city, Dapu of Yixing city, Xueyan of Changzhou city, and Wulihu of Wuxi city around the lake in August-October 2004. The organochlorines were detected in all bivalves, and the mean concentration of SigmaDDTs (7.07 ng/g wet weight) was significantly higher than that of SigmaHCHs (2.37 ng/g wet weight). Overall, SigmaHCHs are at the highest concentrations in the bivalves from the Dapu and Huzhou site, whereas SigmaDDTs are at highest concentrations in the bivalves from the Wulihu site. Compositions of SigmaHCHs were predominated by alpha- and gamma-HCH isomers in the bivalves from all four study sites. Among these sampling sites, p, p'-DDT exhibited the highest percentage in the bivalves from Huzhou site. Furthermore, significant regional variations in compositions of both SigmaDDTs and SigmaHCHs had been identified. The residue levels of SigmaDDTs and SigmaHCHs in the bivalves of the present study were much lower than the corresponding residue limits for aquatic products of Ministry of Agriculture of China, FDA, and FAO/WHO. These findings suggest that Anodonta woodiana could serve as a unique bioindicator to monitor the HCH and DDT pollutions in the freshwater environment.

Status of insecticide contamination of soil and water in Haryana, India

Twelve samples each of soil and ground water were collected from paddy-wheat, paddy-cotton, sugarcane fields and tube wells from same or near by fields around Hisar, Haryana, India during 2002-2003 to monitor pesticide residues. Residues were estimated by GC-ECD and GC-NPD systems equipped with capillary columns for organochlorine, synthetic pyrethroid and organophosphate insecticides. In soil, HCH (0.002-0.051 microg g(-1)), DDT (0.001-0.066 microg g(-1)), endosulfan (0.002-0.039 microg g(-1)) and chlordane (0.0002-0.019 microg g(-1)) among organochlorines, cypermethrin (0.001-0.035 microg g(-1)) and fenvalerate (0.001-0.022 microg g(-1)) among synthetic pyrethroids and chlorpyriphos (0.002-0.172 microg g(-1)), malathion (0.002-0.008 microg g(-1)), quinalphos (0.001-0.010 microg g(-1)) among organophosphates were detected. Dominant contaminants were DDT, cypermethrin and chlorpyriphos from the respective groups. In water samples, HCH, DDT, endosulfan and cypermethrin residues were observed frequently. Only chlorpyriphos among organophosphates was detected in 10 samples. On consideration of tube well water for drinking purpose, about 80% samples were found to contain residues above the regulatory limits.

Monitoring of Pesticide Residues in Fruits

Fruit samples of ber, grapes and guava analysed for pesticide residues employing multiresidue analysis by gas liquid chromatography equipped with ECD and NPD detectors and capillary columns showed contamination with organochlorine, synthetic pyrethroid and organophosphate insecticides. Among organochlorines, HCH, DDT and endosulfan were detected in almost all the samples. Residues of HCH and DDT were maximum in ber followed by grapes and guava where as of endosulfan were maximum in guava followed by grapes and ber. All the fruit samples showed the presence of residues with one or the other group of pesticides. Residues of none of the pesticides exceeded the MRL values in any sample. On the basis of these studies, it is suggested that monitoring studies should be extended to other fruits grown in different agro climatic regions which may serve as basis for future policy in chemical use.

Organochlorine pesticide residues in ground water of Thiruvallur district, India

Modern agriculture practices reveal an increase in use of pesticides and fertilizers to meet the food demand of increasing population which results in contamination of the environment. In India crop production increased to 100% but the cropping area has increased marginally by 20%. Pesticides have played a major role in achieving the maximum crop production, but maximum usage and accumulation of pesticide residues was highly detrimental to aquatic and other ecosystem. The present study was chosen to know the level of organochlorines contamination in ground water of Thiruvallur district, Tamil Nadu, India. The samples were highly contaminated with DDT, HCH, endosulfan and their derivatives. Among the HCH derivatives, Gamma HCH residues was found maximum of 9.8 microg/l in Arumbakkam open wells. Concentrations of pp-DDT and op-DDT were 14.3 microg/l and 0.8 microg/l. The maximum residue (15.9 microg/l) of endosulfan sulfate was recorded in Kandigai village bore well. The study showed that the ground water samples were highly contaminated with organochlorine residues.

Residues of DDT and HCH in wheat samples collected from different states of India and their dietary exposure: A multicentre study

Under a multicentre study conducted by the Indian Council of Medical Research, 1712 samples of wheat grain/flour were collected from urban and rural areas in 11 states representing different geographical regions of India. These samples were analysed for residues of DDT (2,2-bis (p-chlorophenyl)-1,1,1-trichloro ethane) and different isomers of HCH (1,2,3,4,5,6-hexachloro cyclohexane, a mixture of isomers) by gas–liquid chromatography. Residues of DDT were detected in 59.4% of 1080 samples of wheat grain and in 78.2% of 632 samples of wheat flour. Different isomers of HCH were present in about 45–80% of the samples of wheat grain/flour. Medians of DDT and total HCH, respectively, for pooled samples of wheat grain were 0.013 and 0.035 mg kg−1, while those for wheat flour were 0.01 and 0.02 mg kg−1. Estimated daily intakes of DDT and different isomers of HCH through the consumption of wheat contaminated at their median and 90th percentiles constituted a small proportion of their acceptable daily intakes. Amongst the pesticide residues analysed, statutory maximum residue limits have been fixed only for γ-HCH in wheat in India, as 0.1 mg kg−1 in wheat grain and zero in wheat flour. Residue levels of γ-HCH exceeded these maximum residue limits in five of 1080 samples of wheat grain and in 340 of 632 samples of wheat flour. The failure to meet the requirement of the γ-HCH maximum residue limit in large number of wheat flour samples was attributed to the fixation of practically unachievable zero limit. Comparing the previous studies and the present one, the levels of residues of DDT and HCH in wheat were significantly decreased.

Evaluation of HCH isomers and metabolites in soils, leachates, river water and sediments of a highly contaminated area

In this work we evaluate the contamination caused by HCH residues in the soil, leachates, river water and sediments of an industrial estate of the NW of Spain. We study the distribution of the isomers in the different matrices, analysing 37 soil samples, collected in eight points at several depths, six natural leachates, four river water samples and three river sediments. Soil and leachate samples present very high levels of HCH isomers, higher than the established by legislation, and some pesticides were also detected in the analysed river water whereas no pesticides were detected in the river sediments. The distribution of isomers was different depending on the matrix analysed. Some natural degradation products and also other organochlorine pesticides were detected in the samples analysed.

DDT and HCH residue load in mother's breast milk: A survey of lactating mother's from remote villages in Agra region

Breast milk is the natural and optimal food for the infants. In addition to meeting the nutritional needs, breast milk provides numerous immunological, developmental, psychological, ecological and practical advantages. The levels of the DDT and HCH residues in human milk collected from remote rural part of Agra were analysed. β and γ isomers of HCH accounts for the major residue of total HCH excreted in breast milk. δ-HCH was not detected in the samples. 95% of the samples were found to be contaminated with DDT and its metabolites. DDD was found in 88% of the samples analyzed. The total concentration of DDT and HCH were found lower than the previous studies carried out in India. The study shows the decreasing levels of these organochlorine pesticides from the environment. Total concentration of total DDT is higher than total HCH.

Monitoring of Butter and Ghee (Clarified Butter Fat) for Pesticidal Contamination from Cotton Belt of Haryana, India

Butter (45) and ghee (55) samples were collected from rural and urban areas of cotton growing belt of Haryana and analysed for detecting the residues of organochlorine, synthetic pyrethroid and organophosphate insecticides. The estimation was carried out by using multi residue analytical technique employing GC-ECD and GC-NPD systems equipped with capillary columns. Butter samples were comparatively more contaminated (97%) than ghee (94%), showing more contamination with organochlorine insecticides from urban samples. About 11% samples of butter showed endosulfan residues above MRL value and 2% samples had residues of synthetic pyrethroids and organophosphates each above their respective MRL values. In ghee, residues of HCH & DDT both and of endosulfan exceeded the MRL values in 5 and 20% samples, respectively. Among organophosphates, only chlorpyriphos was detected with 9% samples showing its residue above MRL value. Irrespective of contamination levels, residues above the MRL values were more in ghee. More extensive study covering other agricultural regions/zones of Haryana has been suggested to know the overall scenario of contamination of milk products.

Levels of pesticide residues in water, soil and sediments from southern Lake Victoria and its basin

Water, sediment and soil samples collected from Southern Lake Victoria and its basin were analysed for 76 organochlorine, organophosphorous, carbamate and pyrethroid pesticide residues. The samples were collected from sampling stations in nine districts on the Tanzanian side of the lake, namely Mwanza, Sengerema, Geita, Ngudu, Misungwi, Magu, Bunda, Tarime and Musoma Districts. DDT and HCH residues were the only detected pesticides. The concentration of total DDT was up to 1.6 mg/L in water, 600 mg/kg dry mass in sediments and 20 mg/kg dry mass in soil. The concentration of total HCHs were up to 0.2 mg/L in water, 132 mg/kg dry mass in sediments and 59mg/kg dry mass in soil. Generally, higher levels of the residues were detected during the rainy seasons, thanin the dry seasons. These levels are generally low indicating that in Southern Lake Victoria and its basin pesticide pollution has not reached alarming levels. However, the present study shows that despite being banned for use in agriculture in Tanzania since 1992, DDT was still being used in some of the districts at the basin. Worse still, technical HCH, which contains only 10 - 15% of the active isomer, lindane, was commonly used in the area in spite of its being de-registered many years ago. Tanz. J. Sci. Vol.29(1) 2003: 77-90

Lindane and technical hch residues in indian soils and sediments a critical appraisal

Even at low residue concentrations, persistent organic pollutants (POPs) are of increasing concern all over the world. They include numerous organochlorine pesticides, like hexachlorocyclohexane (HCH), known for its toxicity, lipophilic properties and very long turnover time. To test and settle the appropriate prevention and remediation measures, there is an imperative need to delineate suspected contaminated areas and to acquire information regarding the historical and actual production, usage and storage; the probable fate and the contamination situation of these compounds in the environment. India is a major producer and, although it officially banned HCH in 1990 for agricultural purposes, it is still permitted for the health protection programme (vector-transmitted diseases). The present report aims to address the actual contamination of soils and sediments in India with technical HCH and lindane for the period 1996-2003. The assessment was conducted using different sources of data: beside specialized scientific databases, general search engines were used. Information was also sought by visiting websites and sending a request letter to authors of publications, in charge of NonGovernmental Organizations, international organizations, companies and Indian governmental and research institutions. The appraisal revealed that, on a national level, there is a lack of information regarding lindane residues in soils and sediments. The description of parameters influencing residual concentrations of these compounds in soils is frequently omitted in these reports and the few investigations conducted do not cover the whole country, dismissing the Eastern and Central States. However, such a situation is not unique to India, and the information appears to be also scarce and patchy for many developing and developed countries worldwide. In our opinion a harmonized sampling procedure should be agreed upon at a national level and a standard procedure for lindane measurement be set at an international level. This will allow for making comparisons between different countries and improve our understanding of lindane behaviour in soil and its management. To achieve this we need enough data and obviously data of good quality, but not only this. Geographic Information System would be a very valuable tool to gather all the available information and to assess residues of HCH and other POPs at a local, regional, national and international level.

Distribution of Organo-Chlorine Pesticides (DDT and HCH) Between Plant and Soil System

This paper reports a study of the distribution of organo-chlorine pesticides (DDT and HCH) between rice plants and the soil system by spraying before the heading stage at four different dosage levels--control, normal dosage (15 kg ha(-1) of 6% HCH and 7.5 kg ha(-1) of 25% DDT), double dosage and four times dosage. Soil and plant samples were taken respectively at the 1st h, 3rd, 10th, 20th, and 40th day after spraying and at the harvest time. The results indicate that less than 5% of HCH and 15% of DDT were absorbed by the surface of rice leaves for normal dosage. Most of both pesticides moved into the soil in solution after spraying. Compared with DDT, HCH was degraded and run off more easily. HCH residues in the surface soil layer (1-3 cm) were already below 6.4 microg kg(-1) at the mature stage, lower than Chinese Environmental Quality Standard for Agricultural Soils: HCH < 0.05 mg kg(-1). However DDT residues in the surface soil layer remained 172 microg kg(-1), higher than the national standard: DDT < 0.05 mg kg(-1). According to the test f OCP residues in rice seeds, it can be concluded that the OCP sprayed onto the surface of rice leaves can move into rice plants and accumulate in the seeds at the mature stage. HCH residues in rice seeds of the double and four times dosage treatments, and DDT residues in all treatments, exceeded the Chinese National Food Standard (HCH < 0.10 mg kg(-1), DDT < 0.20 mg kg(-1)).

HCH and DDT residues in molluscs from Chinese Bohai coastal sites

Edited by Bruce J. RichardsonThe objective of BASELINE is to publish short communications on different aspects of pollution of the marineenvironment. Only those papers which clearly identify the quality of the data will be considered for publication.ContributorstoBaselineshouldreferto‘Baseline—TheNewFormatandContent’(Mar.Pollut.Bull.42,703–704).

Levels of DDT, HCH, and HCB residues in human blood in Ahmedabad, India.

Levels of DDT, HCH, and HCB residues in human blood in Ahmedabad, India.

Pesticides and the environment

In the period 1981-2000, an investigation was conducted on organochlorine insecticide (OCI) residues in the environment and their effects on human health. The analyses encompassed drinking and surface waters, air, foodstuffs, ready-made meals, human serum and human autopsy material. OCI residues were not detected in drinking water originating from great distributive systems in Vojvodina (purified and conditioned water) but in some sub-artesian wells there were HCH and aldrin residues. OCI residues were quantified in surface water of the river Danube which is in the required group, except for HCH in 1990/91, when it was in the III-IV group. Air was analyzed in Novi Sad, Zrenjanin, Kikinda, Beojin and Apatin. OCI residues are regularly tested in Zrenjanin (1996-2000): the most frequently detected are: HCH residues (37.83% samples), lindane (21.72% samples), heptachlor (17.60% samples) and rarely DTD and aldrin; aldrin (in traces), heptachlor and HCH were detected in Novi Sad. Heptachlor, lindane and HCH were also rarely determined in Kikinda. OCI have an affinity for fat tissues and their residues can be found particularly in foodstuffs originating from animals. They are not eliminated by thermal processing and it was established in pre-school institutions, student restaurants and homes for the aging; most frequently detected was p,p 'DDE isomer, rarely p,p 'DDT as well as HCH and rarely lindane. Although use of OCI is forbidden, due to their long persistence in the environment, they can be found in human tissues, which was proved by human serum analyses. Analyses of human autopsy material indicated presence of DDT metabolite--p,p 'DDE as well as lindane in all analyzed samples (brain, liver, fat and tumorous tissues).

Contamination of liquid milk and butter with pesticide residues in the Ludhiana district of Punjab state, India

An analysis of 92 samples of liquid milk from Ludhiana, India, during 1999–2001 revealed the presence of DDT in 6 (7.4%) samples and of these 2 samples were found to exceed the maximum residue limit (MRL) of DDT fixed at 0.05mgkg−1 (on a whole milk basis). HCH residues were detected in 49 (53.3%) samples and constituted only γ-HCH (lindane). The MRL of lindane is fixed at 0.01mgkg−1 (whole milk basis), and all 49 liquid milk samples exceeded this value. These results are indicative of contamination of bovine milk with pesticide residues as a result of the ban on the use of DDT and HCH in agriculture and public health programs. Similarly, analysis of 40 samples of butter showed the presence of DDT and HCH in 28 and 8 samples, respectively. However, none of the samples exceeded the MRL value of either DDT or any isomer of HCH. DDT residues comprised mainly p,p-DDE and p,p-TDE, whereas HCH residues were present as lindane in 6 samples, and 2 samples revealed the presence of β-HCH. The estimated daily intake of lindane through the consumption of contaminated liquid milk exceeded its acceptable daily intake value for children. Interestingly, none of the liquid milk or butter samples revealed the presence of any commonly used organophosphorus or synthetic pyrethroid insecticides at their detection limit of 0.01mgkg−1.

Residues of DDT and HCH pesticides in rice samples from different geographical regions of India: a multicentre study

As part of a multicentre study conducted by the Indian Council of Medical Research, 2000 samples of rice were collected from rural and urban areas of 13 states representing different geographical regions of India. The samples were analysed for residues of DDT [2,2-bis(p-chlorophenyl)-1,1,1-trichloroethane] and different isomers of HCH [1,2,3,4,5,6-hexachlorocyclohexane, a mixture of isomers] by gas-chromatography. Residues of DDT and HCH, respectively, were detected in about 58 and 73% of the samples analysed. Medians of both DDT and HCH in rice samples were around 0.01 mg kg−1. Concentrations of α-, β-, γ- and δ-HCH exceeded the maximum residue limit of 0.05 mg kg−1 for each isomer in rice fixed by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare of the Indian Government in 4.3, 2.6, 1.7 and 1.2% of the samples, respectively. There is no statutory limit fixed in India for DDT residues in cereals. Its maximum residue limit of 0.1 mg kg−1 in cereals recommended by Codex was exceeded by about 2% of the samples examined. Estimated intake of DDT and isomers of HCH through consumption of rice contaminated at their median and 90th percentiles constituted a small proportion of their acceptable daily intakes.