Total Organochlorine Pesticides Concentrations Research Articles

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

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

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

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

Organochlorine pesticide residues persist throughout the sugar production process

Thailand, one of the world’s largest sugarcane producers, has historically used organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) extensively in its plantations. Therefore, OCP residues are anticipated in plantation soil. However, the persistence of these compounds during sugar production is ambiguous. Thus, this study investigated the OCP residues in sugarcane at the different processing stages. Five product samples, i.e., sugarcane juice, bagasse, raw sugar, granulated white sugar, and molasses were obtained from different regions in Thailand. High concentrations of p,p′-dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (p,p′-DDT), γ-hexachlorocyclohexane (γ-HCH or lindane), and cyclodiene derivatives such as aldrin, dieldrin, heptachlor and its epoxide were found in the samples. This is surprising because the OCP use in sugarcane plantations has been long banned in Thailand. Bagasse and raw sugar had the highest total OCP concentrations of 1.0393 ± 0.7555 mg/kg and 0.9658 ± 0.8209 mg/kg, followed by white sugar (0.1616 ± 0.1311 mg/kg), molasses (0.0813 ± 0.1195 mg/kg), and sugarcane juice (0.0173 ± 0.0112 mg/kg). This study offers comprehensive information on the fate of OCPs during the entire sugarcane processing stage, from the cane to the final granulated sugar. The findings also suggest persistent OCP presence in plantation soil, possibly due to illegal use.

Temporal trends, sources, and ecological risk of residual organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) in sediment core from the Dongping Lake, North China.

A sedimentary record of the 19 organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) pollutants from Dongping Lake, north China, is presented in this study. According to the dating of core sediment and OCP content analysis in samples, from 1904 to 2016, the total concentration of OCPs varied from undetectable levels (n.d.) to 33.1ng/g. The OCP concentration was first detected in the samples of 1938, and then gradually increased to a peak level in 2000 thereafter decreased until 2016. Among the detected OCPs, hexachlorocyclohexanes (HCHs) and dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethanes (DDTs) were the predominant and the most frequently detected contaminants in the core sediment, with concentrations ranging from n.d. to 16.9ng/g and from n.d. to 8.8ng/g, respectively. The distribution of OCPs in the sediments was affected by organic carbon concentration, showing a significant positive correlation (r = 0.93, p < 0.001), especially for HCHs (r = 0.98, p < 0.001). The source analysis showed that HCH contamination mainly derived from historical use of technical HCHs, while in recent years, it derived from lindane usage. DDT pollution was attributed to historical use of technical DDTs, as well as the microbial degradation of historic DDT residues. Finally, risk analysis was performed for OCPs in sediment cores based on sediment quality guidelines from the Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment, showing that DDTs presented a high ecological toxicity risk during the period of 1959-2010.

Distributions of OCPs and CUPs in the Sediment and Surface Water Close to a Drinking Water Reservoir in Northeastern China

In the Chinese city of Wuchang, Heilongjiang Province, a survey was conducted to track the concentrations and distributions of several organic pollutants near drinking water reservoirs, such as conventional organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) and currently in use pesticides (CUPs), including organophosphorus pesticides (OPPs) and neutral herbicides (NHs). From October 2007 to July 2008, a total of 32 pairs of water and sediment samples were gathered and examined. The results showed that the total concentrations of OCPs, OPPs, and NHs in the sediments were 0.42–7.8 ng/dm3 below the detection limit of these pollutants in sediments. The total concentration of OPPs in the water varied from the LoD to 180 ng/dm3 while NHs were 6.3 to 740 ng/dm3. While the CUP concentrations changed significantly throughout the year, the OCP concentrations were less impacted by seasonal fluctuations, indicating no recent introduction of these chemicals. The use of pesticides on crops in the primarily agricultural area was the main factor contributing to higher concentrations of CUPs during the summer.

Nationwide assessment of atmospheric organochlorine pesticides over a decade during 2008–2017 in South Korea

Long-term nationwide atmospheric monitoring of organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) was performed in South Korea during 2008–2017. Their occurrences, seasonal and temporal variability, sources, and effect of ambient temperature were investigated. The OCPs are pronounced with a mean concentration of total OCPs ranging from 5.2 to 256 pg/Sm3. However, a decrease of 54 % was observed in the mean concentration of total OCPs from 2008 to 2017 associated with regulatory actions. OCP concentrations did not show any variations between the different site types, and OCPs were ubiquitously present at all site types. The mean concentration of total OCPs in summer was two-fold higher than in winter. The concentrations of DRINs, DDTs, ENDOs, and HCHs were significantly higher in summer, but the concentrations of chlordane and heptachlor were higher in winter. The diagnostic ratios identified major sources as ongoing sources, past use, and atmospheric transport. Clausius Clapeyron plots strongly suggested the re-emission of α-endosulfan, β-endosulfan, α-HCH, and β-HCH, and ΔHsa (enthalpy of surface air exchange) values suggested the influence of the transport and/or new sources on aldrin, dieldrin, and chlordane. The occurrence of OCPs due to re-emissions, ongoing sources, and long-range atmospheric transport could be a challenge towards the complete phase-out of OCPs in South Korea.

Detection of organochlorine pesticides in estuarine sediments of protected wetlands in Taiwan using high‐resolution gas chromatography/high‐resolution mass spectrometry and gas chromatography‐electron capture detector

AbstractTrace residues of organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) in estuarine surface sediments were investigated at three protected wetlands in southern Taiwan using high‐resolution gas chromatography/high‐resolution mass spectrometry (HRGC/HRMS) and gas chromatography‐electron capture detector (GC‐ECD). This study facilitates the development of new strategies for investigating OCPs, particularly at background levels. Linear relationships were obtained between total OCP concentrations (∑OCP), as analyzed by HRGC/HRMS, and the sediment's total organic carbon (TOC) and water content. It contrasted with the results acquired by GC‐ECD, where no significant relationship was found. GC‐ECD is a rugged option for daily routine practice, particularly in cases of patterns yielded by GC‐ECD is clear; the HRGC/HRMS method provides more reliable qualitative and quantitative capabilities and is highly recommended for studying the fate of OCPs and carrying out risk assessments. The average ∑OCP of these three wetlands by HRGC/HRMS was found in a range of 0.214 to 1.049 ng/g dry weight. The highest OCP level might be attributed to associated irrigation systems receiving massive discharges of domestic sewage from an urban area upstream of the wetland. The ratio of dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) to its metabolites indicated that the DDT residue in these areas was from aged input. According to sediment quality guidelines, adverse ecotoxicological effects of OCPs upon sediments were not expected in these protected wetlands.

Organochlorine pesticides and polychlorinated biphenyls in city drains in Makurdi, central Nigeria: Seasonal variations, source apportionment and risk assessment

A study of seasonal variation, sources and potential risks of organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in open city drains in Makurdi, Central Nigeria was carried out. OCPs and PCBs were quantified using gas chromatograph-mass spectrometer. The total (∑8OCPs) concentrations (ngL−1) of OCPs in water was 2.99 with a mean ± SD of 0.75 ± 0.12 during wet season, while during dry season, the values were 11.43 and 2.86 ± 1.54 respectively. In sediment, the total concentration (ngg−1) of OCPs was 5270.66 with a mean ± SD of 1756.89 ± 450.01 during wet season and a total concentration of 5837.93 and the mean ± SD of 1945.98 ± 646.04, during dry season. Source apportionment of OCPs suggested historic application of the pollutants. The total (∑7PCBs) concentration (ngL−1) of PCBs in water was 0.24 with a mean ± SD of 0.03 ± 0.02 during wet season and a total concentration of 0.61 with a mean ± SD of 0.09 ± 0.11 during dry season. The total concentration (ngg−1) of PCBs in sediment was 37.88, mean ± SD of 5.41 ± 5.93 during wet season and a total of 47.07 and mean ± SD of 6.72 ± 7.27 during dry season. Ecological risk assessment based on effect range low (ERL) and effect range median (ERM) or threshold effect level (TEL) and probable effect level (PEL) that ecological risks were possible for some OCPs in this study, which calls for source control and remediation of the affected sites. Toxicity equivalency (TEQ) of PCB-118, the dioxin-like congener, indicated that it was most harmful to humans/mammals followed by birds, then fish.

Levels, Distribution and Health Risk Assessment of Organochlorine Pesticides in Agricultural Soils from the Pearl River Delta of China.

To reveal the pollution status of agricultural soils along with rapid urbanization and economic growth, a large regional survey of organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) in agricultural soils was conducted in the Pearl River Delta (PRD) of China. The results showed that the total residues of 23 OCPs were in the range of ND-946 ng/g dry weight. OCP residues showed distinct spatial distribution characteristics within the PRD. OCPs were mainly found in areas with high agricultural production and industrial activities. Higher OCP concentrations were observed in the top layer of soil, while the concentration decreases to marginal levels when the soil depth is greater than 50 cm. OCPs are mainly derived from historical use. Hexachlorocyclohexanes (HCHs) in the top soil of the study area are mainly from the use of lindane. Soil pH was negatively and significantly correlated with total OCP concentration. The human health risk assessment showed no health risk for children, while for adults, there is a non-carcinogenic risk, which needs to be noticed. Agricultural activities and industrial production have made the region a pollution hotspot and should arouse more stringent regulation to protect the environment and food safety.

Organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) in corals and plankton from a coastal coral reef ecosystem, south China sea

Recent studies have indicated that coral mucus plays an important role in the bioaccumulation of a few organic pollutants by corals, but no relevant studies have been conducted on organochlorine pesticides (OCPs). Previous studies have also indicated that OCPs widely occur in a few coral reef ecosystems and have a negative effect on coral health. Therefore, this study focused on the occurrence and bioaccumulation of a few OCPs, such as dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethanes (DDTs), hexachlorobenzene (HCB) and p,p′-methoxychlor (MXC), in the coral tissues and mucus as well as in plankton and seawater from a coastal reef ecosystem (Weizhou Island) in the South China Sea. The results indicated that DDTs were the predominant OCPs in seawater and marine biota. Higher concentrations of OCPs in plankton may contribute to the enrichment of OCPs by corals. The significantly higher total OCP concentration (∑8OCPs) found in coral mucus than in coral tissues suggested that coral mucus played an essential role in resisting enrichment of OCPs by coral tissues. This study explored the different functions of coral tissues and mucus in OCP enrichment and biodegradation for the first time, highlighting the need for OCP toxicity experiments from both tissue and mucus perspectives.

Organochlorine pesticides in marine sediments and seawater from Cirebon coastal water, West Java, Indonesia: Concentration, spatial distribution, potential sources, and ecological risk assessment

Organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) were investigated in surface sediments and seawater from three major estuaries at Cirebon coastal water, West Java Province, Indonesia. Total concentrations of OCPs in seawater and sediment varied from 10 to 120 ng/L (32 ± 36 ng/L) and 1.5 to 17 ng/g dw (mean of 7.4 ± 4.0 ng/g dw), respectively. OCPs concentrations in Sukalila estuary were higher than those detected in Bondet and Kejawan estuaries. The drins group was the predominant OCPs contaminant in seawater and sediment samples. Historical application of DDT, recent use of 1,1-dichloro-2,2-bis(p-chlorophenyl)ethylene (DDE), and application of technical hexachlorocyclohexanes (HCHs) are significant sources of DDTs and HCHs, respectively. The concentrations of γ-HCH and heptachlor epoxide in marine sediment elevated the value of Threshold Effect Limit (TEL) in 48% of the total study stations but lowered the value of Probable Effect Limit (PEL), suggesting that they ocassionally trigger adverse effects on benthic organisms.

Occurrence, source, and ecological risk assessment of organochlorine pesticides and polychlorinated biphenyls in the water–sediment system of Hangzhou Bay and East China Sea

The pollution characteristics, potential sources, and potential ecological risk of organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) were investigated in the Hangzhou Bay (HZB) and East China Sea (ECS). Total OCPs concentration ranged from 2.62 to 102.07 ng/L and 4.41 to 75.79 μg/kg in the seawater and sediment samples, with PCBs concentration in the range of 0.40–51.75 ng/L and 0.80–45.54 μg/kg, respectively. The OCPs were positively correlated with nutrients, whereas PCBs presented a negative correlation. The newly imported dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) in HZB is mainly the mixing of technical DDT and dicofol sources. The PCB source composition is more likely related to the mixture of Kanechlor 300, 400, Aroclor 1016, 1242, and Aroclor 1248. Risk assessment results indicate that OCPs posed low risk in seawater. The potential risk of DDTs in the sediments is a cause of concern.

Physiological and histopathological alterations in Capoeta baliki and Squalius pursakensis after caused by some environmental pollutants.

The present study was aimed to apply physiological and histological biomarkers of pelagic and benthic fish species as biomonitoring of environmental pollutants. Capoeta baliki and Squalius pursakensis were caught from 5 stations in Kirmir Stream (Turkey). After measuring the total length and weight for condition factor analysis, liver, gill, brain, and kidney tissues of fish were taken for histopathological analysis. Dorsal muscles of fish tissues were analyzed for polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), organochlorine pesticides (OCPs), and polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs). The mean condition factor of C. baliki and S. pursakensis were 1.14 and 0.97, respectively. It was indicated that the first one was in good condition than the latter one. According to histopathological observations, the alterations in the tissues may be associated with the environmental pollutants' exposure. The total concentration of PAHs of dorsal muscle of C. baliki and S. pursakensis found ranged from 0.915 to 108.421µg/kg and 0.601 to 675.248µg/kg, respectively. The highest total concentrations of OCPs were found as 44.16µg/kg for C. baliki and as 562.12µg/kg for S. pursakensis. The PCB 28 (10.83µg/kg), PCB 52 (10.92µg/kg), PCB 138 (226.24µg/kg), and the total concentrations of PBDEs were found as 151.74µg/kg in only S. pursakensis. The result of the concentrations of the investigated pollutants was generally found higher in S. pursakensis which is a higher trophic level than C. baliki. Histopathological alterations were detected as hyperemia in liver, gill, and brain; as hydrophobic degeneration in liver; hyperplasia in gill; and tubular degeneration in kidney tissues of both species. The obtained result of the study shows that the environmental pollutants may affect the physiological and histological status of fish.

Baseline occurrence, distribution and sources of PAHs, TPH, and OCPs in surface sediments in Gorgan Bay, Iran

Baseline polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPH) and organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) in surface sediments were measured in Gorgan Bay, Iran. Total PAHs, TPH, and OCPs concentrations ranged between 13.70 and 23.68 ng g−1, 2.97 to 11.51 μg g−1 dry weight, and below detection to 1.41 ng g−1, respectively. Benzo [k] fluoranthene and anthracene had the highest (BkF; 19.77 ± 0.08 ng g−1), and lowest (Ant; 4.38 ± 1.72 ng g−1) individual PAH concentrations, respectively. The most abundant OCPs were β-Endosulfan, followed by methoxychlor and endrin. PAH isomeric ratios in sediments revealed that contamination originated from mixed sources, with a strong indication of pyrogenic sources. Ecological risk assessments based on sediment quality guidelines (SQGs) suggested that individual PAHs and OCPs posed low ecological risks in Gorgan Bay.

Distribution and Potential Sources of OCPs and PAHs in Waters from the Danshui River Basin in Yichang, China.

To investigate the concentrations, spatial distribution, potential sources and mass fluxes of organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in waters from the Danshui River Basin, a total of 20 water samples were collected and analyzed from a karstic river in Western Hubei of Central China. The average concentrations of total OCPs and PAHs in the river water were 4719 pg·L−1 and 26.2 ng·L−1, respectively. The characteristic ratios of different isomers and the composition analysis of individual OCPs and PAHs revealed that HCHs originated from a mixed input of technical HCHs and Lindane, DDTs were mainly from technical DDTs, and PAHs mainly originated from biomass and coal combustion. The mass flux analysis showed that PAHs had a higher emission and heavier burden than OCPs in the Danshui River Basin. OCPs and PAHs emitted from agricultural or other human activities could enter the groundwater and then be transported to the surface/river water in the karst area. The adsorption of OCPs and PAHs by particles and the sedimentation of particles could be the primary processes to intercept these pollutants in the water of the karstic river system.

Organochlorine Pesticides in Karst Soil: Levels, Distribution, and Source Diagnosis.

Excessive reclamation and improper use of agrochemicals in karst areas leads to serious non-point source pollution, which is of great concern and needs to be controlled, since contaminants can easily pollute groundwater due to the thin patchy soil and developed karst structures. The occurrences of organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) in karst soil were investigated by analyzing 25 OCPs in the karst soils near the Three Gorges Dam, China. The total concentrations of OCPs ranged 161–43,100 (6410 ± 9620) pg/g, with the most abundant compounds being p,p′-DDT and mirex. The concentration differences between the orchard and vegetable field and between upstream and downstream presented the influences of land-use type and water transport on the OCP spatial distributions. Composition analysis indicated the possible fresh inputs of lindane, technical DDT, aldrin, endrin, mirex, and methoxychlor. Their illegal uses implied an insufficient agrochemical management system in undeveloped karst areas. Principal component analysis with multiple linear regression analysis characterized the dominant sources from current agricultural use and current veterinary use in the study area. OCPs in the soils might not pose significant cancer risk for the residents, but they need to be controlled due to their illegal uses and bioaccumulation effect via the food chain.

Modern lake sedimentary record of PAHs and OCPs in a typical karst wetland, south China: Response to human activities and environmental changes

The sedimentary history of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) over the past 140 years in a lake sediment core from Huixian karst wetland was reconstructed. The total PAHs and OCPs concentrations ranged from 40.0 to 210 ng g−1 and 0.98 to 31.4 ng g−1, respectively. The vertical distribution of PAHs and OCPs in different stages was great consistent with the history of regional socio-economic development and the usage of OCPs. As the indicators of socio-economic development, gross domestic product (GDP), population, energy consumption, highway mileage, and private vehicles correlated with the PAHs concentrations, indicating the impact of human activities on PAHs levels. The PAHs and OCPs concentrations were also affected by environmental changes in the wetland, as reconstructed by total organic carbon (TOC), sand, silt, clay, quartz, and calcite in sediments. Redundancy analysis (RDA) results showed TOC was the dominant factor to explain the concentrations of PAHs and OCPs with the explanation of 86.7% and 43.5%, respectively. In addition, TOC content had significantly positive correlation with PAHs (0.96, p < 0.01) and OCPs (0.78, p < 0.01). In particular, the significantly positive correlation (p < 0.05) between calcite and PAHs and OCPs inferred that karstification might play an important role in the migration of PAHs and OCPs in the karst area. Therefore, the lake in Huixian wetland tended to be a sink more than a source of PAHs and OCPs influenced by the increasing TOC content and karstification under climate warming.

Vertical distribution and effect of historical residual organochlorine pesticides on microbial community structure in sediment cores from an abandoned oxidation pond after dredging for 15 years.

The vertical distribution pattern of 19 organochlorine pesticides (OCPs), together with microbial ester-linked fatty acid methyl ester (EL-FAME) profiles were investigated in sediments from an abandoned oxidation pond of Ya-Er lake, China, which had been heavily polluted by hexachlorocyclohexanes (HCHs) and chlorobenzenes in 1980s. Subsurface sediment samples were taken from five sediment cores along the transect running from the lakeshore (0.5~2.7 m in depth) to lakebed (0.1~0.4 m). The total OCP concentration ranged from 29.8 to 941.8 ng g-1 dw. Hexachlorobenzene (HCB), HCHs, and dichlorodiphenyl-trichloroethanes (DDTs) were the three dominant OCP classes, accounting for 26.5-97.4%, 1.8-33.2%, and 0.4-15.5% of the total OCP concentration, respectively. Hot spots of HCB, HCHs, and DDTs were detected at 0.9~2.7 m deep layers of the lakeshore, where was oncethe maindredged sediment backfill site for in-situ remediation of the oxidation pond in 2002-2004. HCHs and HCBstill showed high potential ecological risks. The sources of OCPs were identified and quantified using principal component analysis with absolute principal component scores-multiple linear regression model. The firstthree major sources were persistent residues, recent agricultural input, and historical industrial input, contributing on average 28.2%, 17.9%, and 17.1% of total OCPs, respectively. Redundancy analysis of microbial EL-FAME profiles and nine dominant OCPs revealed that the spatial variation in microbial community structure was significantly corresponded with the OCP composition. This is the first study highlighting the concern on historical industrial inputs of OCPs in subsurface sediments of the lakeshore disposal zone. The findings could help to distinguish the artificial backfill sediments from undisturbed polluted sediments for optimization of further dredging plans.

Relationship between Respiratory Morbidity and Environmental Exposure to Organochlorine Pesticides in Armenia.

Background.Many studies have investigated the effects of organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) on adverse health outcomes. However, studies addressing the link between respiratory health and OCPs are limited. Organochlorine pesticides are stable compounds and belong to the class of endocrine disrupting chemicals that represent a threat to global health.Objectives.The aim of the present study was to examine the association between respiratory morbidity and environmental exposure to OCPs in selected regions in Armenia.Methods.The study was carried out in Lori and Gegharkunik provinces/marzes. The prevalence rate (per 100 000 population) and the average chronological indicators (ACh) for all respiratory diseases and asthma were calculated. Concentrations of OCPs (γ-hexachlorocyclohexane (γ-HCH), dichloro-diphenyl-trichloroethane [DDT], dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene (DDE) and dichloro-diphenyl-dichloroethane (DDD)) were determined in soil and plant product samples and the average annual total concentration (AATC) of OCPs (γ-HCH + 4,4′-DDT + 4,4′-DDE+4,4′-DDD) was calculated.Results.The ACI for all respiratory diseases showed a growth tendency in areas of Gegharkunik province ranging from 14.2 to 20.9% and an increase in asthma ranging from 9.4% to 174.6%. The highest levels of AATC of OCPs were found in soil sampled in Gegharkunik province: 9.48 ± 1.11 μg/kg and 8.10 ± 1.05 μg/kg and these levels differed significantly from those in Lori (p=0.01–0.0007). The AATC of OCPs in plant products from Gegharkunik was also statistically higher: 1.83±0.13 μg/kg, in comparison with that of Lori province 1.31±0.09 μg/kg (p = 0.001 – 0.0000).Conclusions.The results indicate that the increased tendency of respiratory diseases and asthma could be related to OCP residues found in soil and plant products in Gegharkunik province. However, the role of OCPs should not be ignored. Further research is needed to study OCP contamination dynamics and clarify the role of OCPs in respiratory morbidity.Competing Interests.The authors declare no competing financial interests.

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